ITA Airways airline made this Tuesday the first flight in Italy with large dogs in the cabin, an unprecedented step in the air transport of pets that was attended by the vice president and Minister of Transport, Matteo Salvini, the company and the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) reported.
The journey, between Milan and Rome, included two dogs that traveled with their owners in reserved seats in the first and last row of the plane, without the need for a carrier.
“Let me introduce Moka, an 11-year-old Labrador. Today marks the first flight with dogs up to 25 kg on an ITA plane, from Milan to Rome, with the guarantee that everyone on board will be comfortable and completely safe. A battle for common sense, a turning point for millions of passengers. Promise fulfilled!”, wrote Salvini on his X account.
With this measure, ITA Airways becomes the first Italian company to apply the new provisions, which seek to define regulatory, operational, and safety standards to allow passengers to travel with their pets.
The initiative joins other previous airline regulations, such as the expansion from June 2024 of onboard space on all domestic flights and the increase in the permitted weight for animals in the cabin, which went from 8 to 10 kilos, plus the 2 kilos of the carrier, according to information provided by the aviation authorities.
During the journey, ITA Airways President Sandro Pappalardo was also present, who was “really proud” because the company is “at the forefront among European operators.”
“This initiative is not just a new business opportunity or an operational change, but a true cultural revolution that puts respect, care, and inclusivity at the center,” he added.
For his part, ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma, who was also on the flight, highlighted the importance of “flying domestic animals alongside their owners and no longer in the hold, recognizing them as true members of the family.”
The measure is part of the relaxation of the rules adopted in recent months by the Ministry of Transport, with the approval of ENAC, which allows large dogs to travel in the cabin instead of the hold.
