Turkey Imposes Fines for Passengers Leaving Seats Too Early

Turkey Cracks Down on Premature Disembarkation with New Fines ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Passengers in Turkey now face fines for leaving their seats before a plane has completed taxiing. This new rule, implemented by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aims to improve safety and reduce congestion in the aisles. The DGCA's circular instructs cabin crews to warn passengers about the new regulation, emphasizing the importance of orderly disembarkation to prevent accidents and delays. While the exact penalty isn't specified in the DGCA's circular, Turkish broadcaster Halk TV reports the fine is expected to be around 2,603 Turkish lira, which is about $67. This has sparked debate amongst passengers, with some expressing support for the measure to improve safety and others questioning the fairness of the fine. "It's about safety and efficiency," said one frequent flyer. "If everyone gets up at once, it creates chaos." Others have voiced concerns about the potential for unfair enforcement. The new regulation highlights Turkey's commitment to enhancing aviation safety and passenger experience. The DGCA's focus on orderly procedures reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry towards improving safety standards and passenger comfort.