Turkey fines passengers who remove seatbelts too early after plane lands

Passengers on planes in Turkey who unfasten their seatbelts and walk out into the aisle too early after a plane lands now face fines under new regulations issued by Turkey's aviation authority.

The new law, which came into effect in early May, is an attempt to stop passengers trying to avoid lines to get off the plane by unbuckling their seatbelts, grabbing their bags and heading for the exit before the captain turns off the seatbelt sign, the Telegraph reports.

The General Directorate of Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority says it has received complaints about people violating this rule, and confirmed in onboard inspections that many passengers are not adhering to it.

The regulation itself does not specify the amount of the fine, but Turkish broadcaster Halk TV reports that it is 2,603 ​​lira – about $67 or 60 euros.

Aviation law in many countries prohibits passengers from removing their seat belts and taking off while the fasten seat belt sign is on – even after landing and when the plane is safely moving to the gate.

But in practice, fines are mostly imposed on passengers who disturb the peace or smoke in the toilet. Under Turkey's new law, a fine can also be imposed if passengers are pushed towards the exit after the seatbelt sign has been turned off, even though the passengers in the rows in front of them are not yet ready.

Therefore, airlines have been instructed to make the following announcement: "Do not stand up or walk down the aisle until it is your turn to exit the aircraft."

Airlines that do not comply with these requirements could also face administrative fines. Turkish media reported that Turkish Airlines has already sent the relevant information to flight attendants. /Telegraph/