Güngor Petek, a member of the board of Türkiye’s Istanbul Chamber of Taxi Drivers, has said that authorities in Istanbul city began using drones to monitor taxi drivers in some of the city’s busiest districts, as officials step up efforts to tackle growing complaints from passengers and tourists.

Petek said that drones are being deployed in areas where the highest number of complaints against taxi drivers has been recorded. The aerial surveillance system allows authorities to track vehicles previously linked to violations, including monitoring specific license plates, The Caspian Post reports via Auto.ru.

The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over passenger treatment, particularly among foreign visitors to Türkiye’s largest city. Common complaints include drivers refusing short-distance trips and failing to follow official fare regulations.

Officials are also targeting cases in which taxi drivers avoid turning on their meters, leading to disputes over fares and concerns about overcharging passengers.

With millions of tourists visiting Istanbul every year, authorities hope the use of drone technology will improve service standards, strengthen oversight, and enhance the city's reputation as a global travel destination.