Turkey — Flight Compensation Rights
SHY-Passenger — your rights when flying from Turkey
Turkey's SHY-Passenger regulation mirrors EU261 and protects all passengers on flights departing Turkish airports. Delays of 3+ hours, cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, and denied boarding entitle you to compensation of up to €600, plus meals, accommodation, and rebooking.
Maximum compensation
€600
per passenger, per flight
Claim time limit
⚡2 years
Regulation
SHY-Passenger (Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü Yolcu Hakları)
Enforcement body
SHGM
Compensation amounts in Turkey
Turkey's SHY-Passenger regulation (Yolcu Hakları Yönetmeliği), enforced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA/SHGM), establishes passenger rights for all flights departing Turkish airports. The regulation is closely modelled on EU Regulation EC261/2004 and provides similar protections including compensation for delays of 3+ hours, cancellations, and denied boarding. It applies to all airlines operating from Turkey.
Tier 1
Up to 1,500 km
Short-haul
€250
Tier 2
1,500–3,500 km
Medium-haul
€400
Tier 3
Over 3,500 km
Long-haul
€600
⚡ 2 years claim window — shortest in the EU
Under Turkish consumer protection law, passengers generally have 2 years from the date of the disrupted flight to file a claim. Administrative complaints with SHGM should be filed as soon as possible after the disruption.
Who enforces your rights in Turkey
National enforcement authority
Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü (SHGM) / Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Passengers can file complaints with SHGM via its online portal. SHGM can impose administrative fines on airlines but the process for obtaining direct compensation may require court action. The Consumer Arbitration Committee (Tüketici Hakem Heyeti) is an alternative for smaller claims.
Key airports in Turkey
All flights departing these airports are covered by SHY-Pass..
Airlines covered in Turkey
These carriers operate SHY-Pass.-covered flights from Turkey's airports.
What makes Turkey different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
SHY-Passenger mirrors EU261 — same thresholds and amounts
Turkey's SHY-Passenger regulation is deliberately modelled on EU261/2004. The same €250/€400/€600 compensation tiers apply, the same 3-hour delay threshold, and the same 14-day cancellation notice rule. This makes Turkish claims very similar to EU claims in structure.
Compensation is in Euros even for domestic Turkish flights
Unlike most national regulations that use local currency, SHY-Passenger specifies compensation amounts in Euros. This means passengers receive the Euro equivalent in Turkish Lira at the time of payment, which can be significant given TRY/EUR exchange rate fluctuations.
SHGM complaints vs. court action
SHGM can fine airlines but cannot directly order compensation payments to passengers. For monetary compensation, passengers may need to use the Consumer Arbitration Committee (for claims up to a threshold) or file in civil court. The Consumer Arbitration Committee is free and relatively fast.
Istanbul Airport is one of the world's busiest — high disruption volume
Istanbul Airport (IST) handles over 76 million passengers annually and is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. High traffic volumes mean disruptions are common, particularly during peak summer season and adverse weather. Document everything carefully.
How to claim in Turkey
Turkish SHY-Passenger claims follow a similar process to EU261 claims. Start with a formal complaint to the airline, then escalate to SHGM or the Consumer Arbitration Committee if unresolved.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under SHY-Pass. — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
File a formal written complaint with the airline within 2 years of the disruption. If unresolved within 30 days, file with SHGM via its online portal (shgm.gov.tr) or with the Consumer Arbitration Committee (Tüketici Hakem Heyeti) in your district.
Receive your compensation
For claims up to the Consumer Arbitration Committee threshold, this is the fastest route. For larger claims or if the committee is unavailable, file in the Consumer Court (Tüketici Mahkemesi). Turkish courts are generally receptive to SHY-Passenger claims.
Frequently asked questions — Turkey
Does SHY-Passenger apply to flights arriving into Turkey?
SHY-Passenger primarily applies to flights departing Turkish airports. For flights arriving into Turkey from abroad, the regulation of the departure country applies (e.g., EC261 for EU departures).
Are the compensation amounts the same as EU261?
Yes — SHY-Passenger uses the same €250/€400/€600 tiers as EU261, based on flight distance. The amounts are paid in Turkish Lira at the current exchange rate.
What if my flight was operated by a foreign airline from Turkey?
SHY-Passenger applies to all airlines operating from Turkish airports, regardless of nationality. If your Ryanair or easyJet flight departed Istanbul, SHY-Passenger applies.
Can I claim for a Turkish domestic flight?
Yes — SHY-Passenger covers domestic Turkish flights as well as international flights departing Turkey.
What is the Consumer Arbitration Committee?
The Tüketici Hakem Heyeti is a free consumer dispute resolution body in Turkey. It can handle passenger rights claims up to a certain monetary threshold and is faster than court proceedings.
Was your Turkey flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.⚡ Remember: Turkey's 2 years limit applies — don't wait.