Brits heading to Turkey could be fined before they even get off the plane
Brits planning a holiday to Turkey could be slapped with a £60 fine before they even leave the plane due to a new law many may not yet be aware of. The penalty is linked to 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. It’s expected to be enforced through on-site inspections, as confirmed by the aviation body.
The aim of the law is to prevent people from unbuckling and grabbing their luggage 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 this legislation.
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Airlines will now have to remind passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened during and after landing until the plane reaches its parking position. They must also explicitly warn passengers that any violation will be reported to the aviation authority and a fine will be imposed, according to HospitalityInside.
The exact amount of the fine hasn’t been officially confirmed, but Turkish broadcaster Halk TV suggests it’s likely to be around 2,603 liras – roughly £60. Reports also indicate that similar fines could be issued to those caught rushing towards the exits while disembarking the plane.
Turkey continues to be a popular holiday spot for Brits, with over 4.4 million UK visitors in 2024, as per recent statistics. This marked a significant 16.6 per cent rise from 2023. On average, international tourists spent around 10.7 days in the country, contributing an average of £784 each to the local economy.