Turkey Fines Passengers for Standing Before Plane Stops — A First in Aviation Law Enforcement

Photo: Hava Sosyal Medya

For the first time in Turkey, airline passengers were fined for standing up before the aircraft came to a complete stop. The incident, reported by Hava Sosyal Medya, involved a Pegasus Airlines flight and marks the first confirmed enforcement of new aviation regulations introduced on May 2, 2025.

The incident occurred on flight #PC272 from Sofia to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport, operated by a Boeing 737–800. After landing, several passengers ignored verbal warnings from the crew and stood up to retrieve luggage before the aircraft had fully stopped. The cabin crew summoned police, who boarded the plane and issued administrative fines.

Under Turkey’s updated Civil Aviation Authority regulations, passengers must remain seated with seatbelts fastened until the seatbelt sign is turned off. Violations are considered disruptive behavior and carry administrative penalties. The rules apply to all passenger carriers operating domestic routes in Turkey.

Crews are now required to emphasize this regulation during post-landing announcements, and report violations for further processing. The goal is to reduce injuries during abrupt braking or unexpected movement, and promote onboard discipline.

Turkish Airlines was one of the first to adopt the rule, citing safety concerns. “Standing too early is dangerous during deceleration,” the airline has noted.

According to Turkish outlet Halk TV, the fine is approximately 2,603 Turkish lira (~$67), though no official figures have been published. The police response in this case signals a shift from previous practices, which only included verbal warnings or notations in passenger records.

Istanbul Airport (IGA) is among the busiest in the world, meaning many international travelers could be affected. Travel advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson told PEOPLE that while standing early may seem harmless, the new rule seeks to foster considerate and disciplined cabin behavior.

Elsewhere, similar rules exist. In the U.S., defying crew orders — including standing during taxiing — can result in FAA fines up to $37,000. In Russia, violators face fines up to 5,000 rubles or detention up to 15 days, though enforcement mainly targets aggressive behavior, not premature standing.

Turkey’s approach reflects a broader global trend: stricter enforcement of inflight discipline is seen as crucial to maintaining safety. With incidents increasing worldwide, such regulations may soon expand to other jurisdictions.