Turkish authorities will impose passenger fines for those who get up early on landing, prior to the seatbelt sign being switched off, as per an official announcement from the official civil aviation authority of the country in a bid to curb passenger disruptions.
What is the announcement from Turkish authorities on disruptive passengers
Turkey’s aviation authority, in a passenger announcement earlier this month, noted stricter penalties for disruptive passengers, especially those who smoke on board and get up early before the seatbelt sign is switched off upon landing.
These penalties have been introduced due to reports on disruptive passengers threatening the safety of other passengers. In an announcement, the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, cited “written and verbal passenger complaints” about such unruly passengers, stated that frequently, passengers get up too early to disembark, even before the plane is in parking position and the seatbelt signs have been switched off, “disregarding the passenger/luggage safety and security, as well as the satisfaction and exit priority of other passengers.”
Administrative fines have been introduced for such passengers.
What are the passenger fines?
While the announcement mentions “administrative fines” for going against the regulations, it does not mention a specific number in terms of the amount being charged as fines. A Euronews report mentions that the fines could go up to 50 euros or 70 dollars, given the circumstances.
The official announcement from the Turkish authorities is as follows (translated from Turkish):
“In order to increase passenger awareness that passengers who get up from their seats by unbuckling their seat belts before the seat belt warning lights go off may be penalised with an administrative fine by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.”
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus update flight announcements
Part of the circular asks airlines to update their flight announcements pertaining to the new rules. The circular mentions exactly what the flight announcements should be upon landing.
This is the announcement to be made as mentioned in the circular:
“Dear passengers, our aircraft has not yet reached its parking position. Please do not unfasten your seatbelt, stand up, or open the overhead compartments until the seatbelt sign has been switched off. It is strictly forbidden to stand up, open overhead compartments, or be present in the aisle before the aircraft has reached its parking position and the seatbelt sign has been turned off.”
The announcement further needs to mention that passengers need to “respect the disembarkation priority” of those in front of them after the aircraft lands and reaches parking position, and the seatbelt sign is turned off. The announcement further asks the passengers to wait their turn and not to “stand up or proceed in the aisle before it is their turn to exit.”
It warns passengers of non-compliance and the consequent penalties. Such passengers would be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and “an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations,” as per the circular.
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have updated their flight announcements accordingly. It is to be determined whether other airlines will soon follow suit.
Have you ever been in a rush to disembark or have faced issues due to unruly passengers in a rush? Share your experience in the comments!
