The SHY-PASS Law in Turkey
⚡ Key Takeaways for The SHY-PASS Law in Turkey
- National Protection: SHY-PASS is Turkey's version of EU261; it protects all passengers departing from Turkish airports.
- Cash Payouts: For international flights over 3,500km, the payout is €600; for domestic flights, it's usually 100 EUR in TRY equivalent.
- Informing Passengers: Under SHY-PASS, the airline is FINED if they do not provide you with a written notice of your rights during a delay.
What exactly is SHY-PASS?
The "Regulation on Air Passenger Rights" (commonly referred to as SHY-PASS) is the definitive legal framework established by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). Enacted to mirror the robust passenger protections found in Europe's EC 261/2004, SHY-PASS guarantees that airlines operating in Turkey cannot simply delay or cancel flights with impunity.
SHY-PASS applies to almost all flights utilizing Turkish Airports. Specifically, it protects you if you are departing from any airport in Turkey (e.g., IST, SAW, AYT) on any airline, or if you are flying into Turkey from a non-EU country on a Turkish carrier like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, or AJet.
When to Claim Compensation under SHY-PASS
SHY-PASS mandates financial compensation for significant flight disruptions that are within the airline's control (such as crew shortages or routine technical faults). You are eligible for compensation in the following scenarios:
- Cancellations: If your Turkish Airlines flight is cancelled within 14 days of your scheduled departure and the airline fails to re-route you close to your original arrival time.
- Denied Boarding (Overbooking): If you hold a valid ticket and present yourself at the gate on time, but are bumped from the flight because the airline oversold the cabin.
- Significant Delays: While SHY-PASS explicitly mandates "Right to Care" for delays, compensation for arriving late at your final destination is frequently secured through Turkish consumer courts based on the precedents set by SHY-PASS definitions of liability.
How Much Can You Claim?
Compensation under SHY-PASS is tiered based on the type of flight (domestic vs. international) and the total distance of your journey. The actual payout is legally fixed, though often calculated in the TRY equivalent of Euros by the SHGM.
- Domestic Flights (e.g., Istanbul to Izmir): Passengers are entitled to a flat €100 (in TRY equivalent) for claimable disruptions.
- International Flights up to 1,500 km: Passengers are entitled to €250.
- International Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: Passengers are entitled to €400.
- International Flights over 3,500 km (e.g., Istanbul to New York): Passengers are entitled to the maximum payout of €600.
The Right to Care is Immediate
Unlike financial compensation, which requires proving the airline was at fault, your "Right to Care" under SHY-PASS applies regardless of the cause of the delay—even during blizzards or ATC strikes. If your domestic flight is delayed by 2 hours, or your international flight by 3 hours, the airline MUST provide you with hot or cold beverages and a meal appropriate to the time of day. They must also provide means of communication (unlimited internet access or two telephone calls). If you are delayed overnight, Turkish Airlines is legally obligated to provide a hotel room and transfer services.
Written & Legally Reviewed by Marie Mure-Ravaud
Marie is a Senior Claim Expert at AirAdvisor, focusing on French and European aviation regulations. She helps passengers navigate the complexities of flight delay and cancellation claims with French-speaking carriers.