In a significant move to improve air travel, Türkiye has introduced new rules that offer financial compensation for flight disruptions. This change, announced in late 2024, has already taken effect. The new regulations closely follow the European Union’s EU261 laws, which require airlines to compensate passengers for significant delays or cancellations.
As a key transit point for international travelers, especially those from Europe, Türkiye’s new regulations are expected to enhance flight punctuality, improve passenger experiences, and hold airlines more accountable. Industry experts believe the change will not only benefit passengers traveling to and from Türkiye but also have broader implications for the global aviation industry.
Key Features of Türkiye’s Updated Air Passenger Rights Regulation
The new regulations require airlines operating in Türkiye to provide monetary compensation for disruptions caused by technical or operational issues.
The rules include:
- €100 for domestic flights delayed by over three hours.
- €250, €400, or €600 for international flights, based on the flight distance.
Previously, the EU261 regulation only applied to Türkiye-based airlines for flights departing from EU airports. This meant passengers could claim compensation for significant disruptions when flying out of the EU, but not when returning from Türkiye. The updated rules now ensure that flights departing from Türkiye with Turkish airlines are also covered.
Why These Changes Matter for Passengers and Airlines
With Türkiye being a major travel hub between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, millions of travelers pass through its airports every year.
The new regulation aims to:
- Protect passengers by ensuring compensation for long delays.
- Improve airline operations by encouraging carriers to reduce disruptions.
- Close the regulatory gap by extending compensation to flights from Türkiye to the EU, a gap not covered by EU261.
Türkiye’s Role in Global Air Travel
As one of the most visited countries globally, Türkiye plays a crucial role in international tourism. Its airports, particularly in Istanbul, are major transit points for travelers heading to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In 2024, Türkiye’s airports had a relatively strong record on flight punctuality, with just over 4,100 flights delayed by more than three hours or canceled—representing about 1% of all departures. This rate is lower than the European average of 1.5%.
European Travelers Stand to Benefit
The new rules in Türkiye address a key limitation in EU261, which previously didn’t cover flights arriving in Europe from Turkish airlines. Now, millions of European passengers flying with Turkish carriers will be able to claim compensation for delays—something they couldn’t do under the previous system.
A Move Toward More Accountability in Global Air Travel
As air travel disruptions have become more frequent due to weather, technical issues, and other factors, passenger compensation laws are gaining importance. By imposing financial penalties on airlines, Türkiye is taking proactive steps to make air travel more reliable, transparent, and passenger-friendly.
What’s Next for Air Travel?
Looking ahead, experts predict that:
- Other countries may introduce similar passenger protection laws.
- Airlines may improve their planning and operations to avoid paying compensation.
- Passengers will gain stronger rights and legal options when dealing with flight delays and cancellations.
This move marks a major step in improving passenger rights and making air travel more efficient and reliable for travelers around the world.
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