Turkey is hugely popular with people from the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)A new law could see holidaymakers heading to Turkey issued with £50 fines before they’ve even stepped off the plane. The penalty is linked to fresh legislation that fines passengers for unbuckling their seatbelts too early.
The law came into effect at the beginning of May 2025, following complaints made to the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The new rule is expected to be enforced through on-site inspections, and is aimed at stopping people from jumping up and trying to retrieve bags before the captain has switched off the seatbelt sign.
This practice is already prohibited in many countries, but a surge in complaints has reportedly led to the legislation in Turkey. Airlines will now have to remind passengers to keep their seat belts fastened during and after landing until the aircraft reaches its parking position.
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They must also explicitly warn that any violation will be reported to the aviation authority, and that a fine will be imposed. While the exact amount of the fine hasn’t been officially confirmed, Turkish broadcaster Halk TV suggests it’s likely to be around 2,603 liras – almost £50.
Reports also indicate that similar fines could be issued to those caught rushing towards the exits when disembarking the plane, reports Belfast Live. Turkey continues to be a popular holiday spot for UK residents, with over 4.4 million UK visitors in 2024, as per recent statistics.
This marked a 16.6 per cent rise from 2023. International tourists typically spent an average of 10.7 days there, and the revenue per visitor stood at £784.