Minister slams “method of welcoming passengers with hand-held banners” at the airport

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu argued that welcoming passengers with hand-held papers/banners at the airport was a “bleeding wound of Tourism”. A Deputy from CHP party submitted a motion asking the Interior Minister, “why it was prohibited to meet passengers at airport showing papers with names on and violators were fined”. The reply from the Minister was “because it causes image pollution at the airport”.

The Minister noted said decision had been taken to combat spruikers (commissioners) which he referred to as the bleeding wound of tourism and to put an end to visual pollution at the airport, after it had been opened a while ago.

He added that a decision was taken by Commission of Istanbul Airport Security on 19 December 2019 to ensure the image of the country is not damaged. Accordingly persons holding or hanging banners with Passenger Name, company name or number etc will not be allowed into the terminal arrivals floor, and commercial establishments (reps etc.) wishing to do so will be directed to the IGA Meeting Lounge area. This will not apply relatives of passengers arriving.

This has been implemented since 1 January 2020. There are complaints made by passengers using the port. The persons who are engaged in such violation and baggage dealing in a manner that offends the passengers using the airport are subject to administrative procedures under the misdemeanors Law No. 5236.”