New safety rules in Turkey: If you take off your seatbelt too early, you pay!

New safety rules in Turkey: If you take off your seatbelt too early, you pay!

Turkey's General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) has introduced a new regulation that sets strict safety rules for passengers on aircraft. This regulation, which came into force at the beginning of May 2025, aims to increase safety during and after landing. Passengers who unfasten their seat belts or open the luggage compartment before the seatbelt sign goes out will in future be classified as “passengers traveling in violation of the regulations” and risk fines.

The exact amounts of the fines are currently unknown, but reports suggest they could be around 60 euros. These new regulations were introduced amid allegations that many passengers are ignoring the existing rules and creating dangerous situations.

Security through clear guidelines

The regulation is intended to prevent accidents during disembarkation caused by falling luggage or unexpected movements of the aircraft. The cabin crew is now required not only to warn in the event of violations, but also to announce that standing up is only permitted after reaching the final parking position. These changes were immediately implemented by Turkish Airlines, which trained its crew to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Another aspect of the regulation is the announcement to passengers that they should not get up until it is their turn to leave the plane. Crowded aisles are prohibited when disembarking in order to ensure orderly and safe processing. Airlines are obliged to clearly communicate this obligation to wear a seat belt and the possible penalties.

Reactions and challenges

Despite these measures, there are still complaints and checks indicating that many passengers are not complying with the new rules. Cabin crew are therefore increasingly being asked to emphasize the need to wear seat belts during and after landing and to point out compliance. Airlines that do not meet the requirements can be subject to administrative action.

These new regulations and their implementation represent an important step towards further increasing air traffic safety in Turkey. While Turkish Airlines has already proactively responded to the changes, it remains to be seen how other airlines and passengers will respond to these increased requirements.

For more information about the new regulations and their impact, read reports from The West and n-tv.de.