Turkish Airlines (THY) has publicly shared its strict measures against passengers who smoke onboard. In a statement posted on social media, THY CEO Bilal Ekşi announced that 245 passengers have been banned from flying over the past five months for smoking during flights.
Ekşi shared the following message:
“Please refrain from attempting to smoke onboard. In the past five months, 245 individuals caught smoking on planes have been added to the no-fly list. These passengers may also face financial penalties. For your own health and that of fellow passengers, do not smoke on the aircraft.”
According to civil aviation regulations, smoking on an aircraft endangers both passenger health and flight safety. Passengers who violate these rules not only face flight bans but may also be subjected to significant fines.
What Is the Penalty for Smoking on a Plane?
Under Turkish civil aviation regulations, smoking onboard can result in both administrative and legal penalties. According to Law No. 2918 on Highway Traffic and the directives of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
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Flight bans (being blacklisted)
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Hefty financial penalties
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Criminal complaints filed with prosecutors if flight safety is endangered
