Turkish regulations on Air Passenger Rights

Flying to, from, or within Turkey? Then you’re protected by the Turkish Regulation on Air Passenger Rights (SHY PASSENGER). What does this mean? If your flight gets canceled, delayed, or you are denied boarding, this regulation ensures you’re taken care of and still reach your destination. For certain cancellations or denied boardings, you may also be eligible to claim up to €600 compensation in Turkish Lira.

What are Turkish Air Passengers Rights?

Who is covered by Turkish air passenger rights?

Turkish passenger protections apply to everyone departing from a Turkish airport, as well as to anyone arriving at a Turkish airport on a Turkish airline.

• Turkish airline: Yes
• Any other airline:
  Yes for flights departing from a Turkish airport;
  No for flights arriving at a Turkish airport.

Your nationality, age, and how you purchased your ticket are not relevant. Turkish passenger rights apply to all passengers, provided you have a confirmed reservation and have adhered to the airline’s rules, such as arriving at the airport and checking in on time.

What situations are included under Turkish air passenger rights?

Turkish passenger rights apply to all the following types of flight disruption:

Flight cancellations

If your airline cancels your flight, Turkish regulations require them to offer you an alternative flight to your destination (or a refund if you prefer), provide you with appropriate food, drink, and accommodation for the delay, and pay you up to €600 in Turkish lira if the cancellation occurs less than 2 weeks before departure.

Denied boarding

According to Turkish air passenger rights, if an airline anticipates needing to deny boarding to some passengers, they must first seek volunteers to give up their seats. If no passengers volunteer, the airline decides who will be denied boarding. If you are one of those passengers, the airline must provide you with an alternative flight (or a full refund), care (such as food and accommodation), and compensation equivalent to €600 in Turkish lira.

Flight delays

Unlike the similar European regulation, EC 261, Turkish air passenger rights do not explicitly grant compensation for flight delays. However, if your Turkish flight is delayed, you can still use our Compensation Checker — we’ll inform you if you can claim under other laws. Turkish regulations state that passengers facing delays must receive care during the delay and have the option to abandon their trip and receive a full refund if delayed for more than 5 hours.

What is Force Majeure, and what does it mean?

Turkish air passenger rights distinguish between disruptions caused by the airline and those resulting from force majeure, which refers to exceptional circumstances that are beyond the airline’s control.

Some examples of force majeure include:

• Extreme weather
• Volcanic eruptions
• Wars or terrorist threats

This distinction is important because if your flight delay or denied boarding is due to a force majeure event, the airline is not obligated to pay compensation. However, they remain responsible for your care and onward transportation.

What information must airlines provide?

Turkish air passenger rights stipulate that airlines must display the following text in both English and Turkish at the check-in counter or boarding gate:

Please request the text from the check-in counter or boarding gate which states your rights for the service you will be provided in case your boarding is denied, or your flight is canceled or delayed for at least two hours. 

Additionally, if the airline denies you boarding or cancels your flight, they are required to provide you with a written notification that informs you of the compensation and assistance you’re entitled to.

What care must airlines provide under Turkish law?

If your flight is canceled, overbooked, or delayed, the airline is obligated to provide you with essential care until your journey is underway. Here’s what you should receive:

• Any time: Communication (up to 2 phone calls, faxes, or emails)
• Between 2-3 hours: Hot and cold drinks
• Between 3-5 hours: Meals (breakfast or lunch)
• After 5+ hours: Additional drinks, snacks, and meals appropriate for the time of day

If you’re going to be delayed overnight, the airline must provide you with accommodation and a transfer if needed.

It’s important to note that these rights apply after a specific length of delay based on the distance of your flight:

• Domestic flights and international flights under 1,500 km: Delays of 2 hours or more
• International flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: Delays of 3 hours or more
• International flights over 3,500 km: Delays of 4 hours or more

Will I get a replacement flight or refund?

Yes, in all cases of flight cancellation or denied boarding, Turkish air passenger rights state that you are entitled to either a refund or an alternative route to your destination.

The law outlines the following three options:

1. A replacement flight at the earliest opportunity
2. A replacement flight on an alternative date that suits you
3. A full refund of the original price you paid for the flight ticket

You can request a refund once the delay exceeds 5 hours. However, this means you agree not to travel on the flight. If you have already traveled on the first leg of a connecting flight and do not wish to continue, you will be returned to your point of departure free of charge and still receive a refund.

What rights do Turkish passenger laws give travelers with restricted mobility or special needs?

Turkish passenger laws mandate that airlines give priority to individuals with restricted mobility and their accompanying person (or registered service dog).

In the event of disruptions such as denied boarding, cancellations, or delays, individuals with restricted mobility must be provided with the necessary care as soon as possible.

Additionally, the law specifies that airlines should offer appropriate communication methods for passengers who are visually impaired.

What do Turkish laws say about children traveling alone?

Under Turkish air passenger rights, airlines are required to give priority to children traveling alone. In the event of disruptions, these children must receive the necessary care and support as quickly as possible.

What do Turkish air passenger rights say about upgrades and downgrades?

If you are upgraded by the airline, you won’t be charged for the upgrade under Turkish air passenger rights.

On the other hand, if you experience a downgrade, the law stipulates that you must be compensated. In this case, the airline is required to pay you the difference in the ticket price (based on the price at the time of purchase) plus:

• For flights under 1,500 km: 30% of the ticket price
• For flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: 50% of the ticket price
• For flights over 3,500 km: 75% of the ticket price

What else do Turkish air passenger rights say?

The laws clearly state that passengers are entitled to monetary compensation, which airlines can pay in cash, via bank transfer, or by check. Payments in travel vouchers or other services can only occur if you consent to that option.

Compensation amounts under Turkish air passenger rights are specified in euros rather than Turkish lira. To eliminate confusion regarding exchange rates, the law mandates using the conversion rate from the Turkish Republic Central Bank on the day the ticket was purchased.

The regulations acknowledge that you may have the right to claim compensation under other laws and clarify that Turkish air passenger rights do not diminish your rights to compensation from other sources. However, you cannot claim compensation from the airline twice. The regulations specify that any compensation you claim from another source may be deducted from what you claim under Turkish air passenger rights.

To prevent misunderstandings regarding flight distances, the regulation states that the distance should be calculated using the great circle method.

Lastly, the laws emphasize that airlines must always ensure passengers reach the agreed destination. If a flight is required to change its destination (which is rare and typically only occurs due to force majeure), the airline remains responsible for transporting you and your fellow passengers to your original destination.

How to make a claim under Turkish air passenger rights

If you believe you are entitled to compensation under Turkish law, you can submit a claim directly to our website.

You can rely on AioFlight to manage your claim, saving you the hassle. We will review your flight against various air passenger rights, including those in Turkey, and proceed with the laws that provide you the best opportunity for a successful claim and fair compensation.

Note: We strive to accurately and clearly explain your air passenger rights; however, we cannot guarantee that our information is always error-free or current. Please be aware that our explanations do not constitute legal advice.