Turkey has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations to protect air travelers from significant flight delays, marking a pivotal development in passenger rights. Announced by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) on Tuesday, the new rules aim to hold airlines accountable while providing fair compensation for inconvenienced passengers.
These measures, designed to align Turkey’s aviation sector with global standards, signal a heightened commitment to passenger welfare and the country’s aspiration to strengthen its position as a leading travel hub.
Compensation Framework for Delays
Under the new regulations, passengers delayed by more than three hours due to technical or operational issues are entitled to compensation. The compensation, which varies by flight distance, is as follows:
- Domestic flights: €100 per passenger
- International flights up to 1,500 kilometers: €250
- International flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers: €400
- International flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers: €600
Payments will be made in Turkish lira, calculated based on the Turkish Central Bank’s exchange rate on the day of payment.
Turkey Aligns with Global Standards
Turkey’s regulations bring its passenger protections in line with those of the European Union, recognized for its robust compensation framework. This move is a strategic enhancement for Turkey’s aviation sector, ensuring competitiveness in the global market while offering passengers a consistent and reliable travel experience.
Globally, countries adopt varying approaches to passenger rights:
- The European Union mandates compensation for delays and cancellations, similar to Turkey’s new rules.
- The United States emphasizes overbooking issues, with compensation up to $1,550 for bumped passengers.
- Canada offers a tiered compensation system ranging from 400 to 1,000 CAD for delays within airline control.
- India provides payments of 5,000 to 20,000 INR, depending on the circumstances.
Turkey’s alignment with these standards reinforces its role as a key player in the aviation industry.
