Turkish Airlines has definitely lifted eyebrows in the aviation community by authorizing pilots to pray in the cockpit. This decision, implemented on August 25, 2023, has raised serious concerns about aviation safety.
The policy change came after a Turkish Airlines pilot was dismissed for voicing concerns about the potential risks of cockpit prayer. The airline’s justification for the rule is to prioritize the “mental and physical health” of flight crews. However, critics argue that such religious accommodations compromise the primary duty of ensuring passenger safety.
Permitting pilots to step away from their critical duties, even for brief periods of prayer, can lead to distractions, reduced situational awareness, and increased risk of accidents. This practice directly contradicts aviation regulations in most countries.
The Star Alliance carrier is over 49% owned by the government. This is Turkey national carrier, and operates in many ways as a state instrument. Therefore it is heavily influenced by the Turkish government, and has faced increased scrutiny as the nation’s leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who promotes traditional Muslim values. This policy change is seen as a symbolic gesture aligning with the government’s agenda.
Given the gravity of the safety implications, I, personally, won’t fly with Turkish Airlines anymore. Until Turkish Airlines management reevaluates its policies, the question remains: does the right to religious freedom outweigh the imperative of passenger safety?
Salmon
This is exactly why I will be flying Turkish airlines. If pilots can safely go to the bathroom and don’t need a special catheter or a bedpan, they can also pray.
A United flight will be more convenient for me for my trip next month but I choose Turkish for allowing prayer on the plane.
Glend Daniel Gonzales
I see the analogy, but it’s flawed. While using the restroom is a physiological necessity that can’t be avoided, praying to observe religious beliefs is not. Religious rituals, like prayer, can be performed outside of work hours. In fact, there are times when only one pilot is in the cockpit during a two-pilot flight. This only happens for essential reasons, like using the restroom or responding to an emergency, such as checking the engines or wings. The article is clear: ‘Allowing pilots to step away from their critical duties, even briefly for prayer, can lead to distractions, reduced awareness, and increased accident risk. This practice directly contradicts aviation regulations in most countries.'”