New rule: Turkey fines passengers who stand before plane stops — should other countries follow?

Dubai: Turkey is cracking down on impatient flyers with a new travel rule that fines passengers up to 2,603 lira (about $70 or Dh255) for standing up or opening overhead bins before the plane has come to a complete stop.

According to media reports, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered airlines to update their in-flight announcements to warn travelers, and cabin crews are required to report any violations.

Officials cited rising safety concerns and chaotic disembarkation scenes. The DGCA warns that premature movement can lead to injuries caused by sudden stops, falling luggage, and blocked aisles that could hinder emergency evacuations.

Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, has already revised its landing announcements to include clear warnings about penalties for non-compliance. With millions of tourists passing through Turkey annually, the move is intended to enhance both safety and orderly passenger flow.

Passengers are required to keep their seat belts fastened and remain seated until the plane has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Opening overhead compartments or crowding the aisle prematurely is prohibited. Violators will be reported to authorities and fined.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), failing to follow crew instructions remains the most common form of unruly passenger behavior worldwide. As reported by The New York Times, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose fines of up to $37,000 per violation and may even pursue jail time in more serious cases.

During the pandemic, incidents surged, largely due to disputes over mask mandates. Flight attendants frequently faced harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence, prompting authorities to take stricter action.

As reported by NDTV, the problem is all too common in India, where passengers often leap from their seats the moment the aircraft touches down, leading to crowded aisles and onboard chaos. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does enforce regulations against serious unruly behavior, minor infractions—such as standing during taxiing—are rarely penalized, allowing the trend to persist largely unchecked.

That familiar post-landing scramble to exit first might soon cost you. While many passengers rush due to tight connections or impatience, viral videos of travellers ignoring safety instructions during taxiing are causing widespread online frustration.

Experts emphasise that saving mere seconds isn't worth the heightened risk of injury or the delays caused by premature movement.

Countries are taking note. Following Turkey's lead with fines for such behavior, nations like India might implement similar policies. Beyond preventing injuries, these fines could enforce better passenger discipline and reduce chaotic deplaning. Consider this: those few extra seconds aren't worth jeopardising your safety—or facing a penalty.