Under the new rule, flight attendants are required to file a “Passenger Ignorance Report” for any traveller who violates this safety protocol, triggering a government-issued fine.

The regulation comes in response to what officials describe as “a serious increase” in passengers standing prematurely, often while the aircraft is still taxiing to the gate, despite warnings from flight crews and the illuminated seatbelt sign.

Kemal Yüsek, head of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, stated the rule was introduced due to concerns over safety and order.

Early movement, he said, poses risks to “passenger and baggage safety and security,” and also disrupts “the satisfaction and exit priority of other passengers.”

The fine will be issued by the government, not the airline. Airlines are only responsible for reporting incidents to Yüsek’s office through the mandatory “Passenger Ignorance Report.”

While the exact amount of the fine has not been officially confirmed, several media outlets, including The Independent, Daily Mail, and The Mirror, have cited it as £50 (approximately AU$104.71).

According to travel website Visa Digital Nomad, Turkish Airlines has already begun enforcing the new regulation.