2026 Current Amendments to the Turkish Civil Aviation Law

The global aviation ecosystem is in a state of dynamic change within the framework of technological advancements and international safety regulations. In line with the goals of aligning with these global standards and increasing operational efficiency, Turkey has implemented fundamental reforms in its civil aviation legislation. At the core of these reform packages are strategic updates to the Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920 and new legal arrangements providing for amendments to the Decree Law No. 655. In particular, Law No. 7519, which entered into force on July 9, 2024, has initiated a new legal era for industry stakeholders.

Airport Security Standards and the Impact of “Law No. 7519”

One of the most critical updates within the framework of the Turkish Civil Aviation Law concerns airport security protocols. The regulations introduced by Law No. 7519 have reshaped not only the articles of Law No. 2920 but also the principles of operational implementation.

• Right of Refusal: According to the provisions of the Law, passengers who refuse a physical search of themselves or their belongings will be denied entry to the airport and the aircraft.
• Technical Screening vs. Physical Search: Under the new legislation, the primary rule is the screening of passengers and their belongings via technical devices upon entering airports.
• Mandatory Procedures: In cases where these screenings are insufficient to ensure security or as a result of specific risk analyses, physical search procedures are implemented as a legal obligation.

This situation creates both a security authority and a legal responsibility for airline operators. As Esenyel & Partners, we provide consultancy to our clients on determining legal boundaries in such sensitive processes and establishing preventive legal mechanisms against potential compensation lawsuits.

Decree Law No. 655 and Structural Reorganization

To increase efficiency in aviation management, legislative proposals regarding amendments to certain laws and the Decree Law No. 655 have been enacted. These regulations aim to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries of aviation authorities under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

The revisions made to Decree Law No. 655 have expanded the audit and supervision powers of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) while introducing new standards for airport management and ground handling licensing processes. These structural changes directly impact the licensing processes of enterprises. We guide businesses in achieving compliance with these new regulations by closely monitoring the legislative processes.

UAV Operations and Increased Sanctions for 2026

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are occupying an increasingly larger space within general civil aviation security. This has necessitated an update of the punitive sanctions regulated under Law No. 2920. As of 2026, administrative fines applied within the framework of Law No. 2920 and related regulations have been updated above the revaluation rates to increase deterrence:

• Criminal Liability: Under the amendments to the Decree Law, prison sentences are now on the agenda for drone users who endanger flight safety in the vicinity of airports.
• Unauthorized Flights: As of 1 January 2026, the administrative fines applicable under the Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920 and related secondary regulations have been updated to reflect the 2026 revaluation figures, and the applicable fine amounts may reach significant levels depending on the nature and severity of the violation (e.g., unauthorized operation, breach of operational restrictions, or flight safety risks).

Green Aviation and Carbon Emission Regulations

Sustainability is one of the most important agenda items for the Turkish civil aviation sector. Green transformation policies integrated into the Turkish legislative system mandate the tracking of carbon footprints, particularly at ports and airports. In Türkiye, “green transformation” in civil aviation is developing mainly through secondary regulations and regulatory initiatives aimed at aligning with international frameworks and market practices.

Esenyel & Partners manages the adaptation of airline companies to these new financial obligations with expertise in carbon trading systems and international aviation finance.

Esenyel & Partners: Strategic Solution Partner in Aviation Law The aviation sector presents a highly complex structure, combining the primary Law No. 2920 with numerous secondary regulations (SHY series). Esenyel & Partners provides a legal security shield for its clients within this complex framework.

Our services in the field of aviation include:

• Follow-up of aircraft accident investigations and insurance subrogation claims.
• Advising on cross border transactions relating to the sale and purchase of aircrafts
• Legal audit and due diligence in aircraft leasing, financing, and registration transactions
• Annulment lawsuits against administrative fines imposed under Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920.
• Management of administrative processes and licensing within the framework of the Laws and Decree Law No. 655

In conclusion, the pace of change in Turkey’s aviation legislation requires businesses and professionals to remain constantly up-to-date.

You may contact us for professional support regarding the integration of these structural changes in civil aviation law into your operational processes, appeal procedures against administrative fines, or the management of aviation finance and leasing agreements.