Turkey is banning passengers from standing up before the seatbelt sign on an airplane turns off, or they will be fined. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved the new regulation to improve safety and reduce disruptions during the aircraft landing process.
When passengers rush to get up while the plane is still moving, they often push other passengers or risk causing injuries by trying to open overhead compartments, writes A2 CNN.
The decision aims to reduce the need for cabin crew to repeatedly issue safety instructions that are often ignored.
Under the new rule, passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the plane reaches its designated parking spot and the "fasten seatbelt" sign is deactivated.
They also have to wait for their turn to be called to get off the plane, A2 CNN reports.
The regulation, based on Article 143 of the Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, affects all carriers operating flights in Turkey.
Passengers who violate the new rules will face a fine of $70 or 62 euros.
"Under the regulation, airlines are required to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to expressly state that any violation will be reported to the aviation authority and a fine will be imposed," the CAA states.
Turkish Airlines has already updated its landing notice, which clearly warns passengers of possible penalties for not complying with the decision, A2 CNN reports.
It states, “passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation through a Report on Violating Passengers and will be imposed an administrative fine in accordance with the legal regulations in force.”
Reactions have been mixed regarding this decision. While some have praised it, comments on social media suggest there is also skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the measure in curbing the annoying habit of using leaflets.
It is not yet known whether other airlines will issue similar warnings to Turkish Airlines for flights arriving in Turkey. (A2 Televizion)
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