A milestone in pet-friendly travel was marked today in Italy, as ITA Airways operated its first demonstration flight from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino with two medium-to-large dogs travelling inside the cabin alongside their owners.
The initiative, overseen by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, was hailed by Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini as an “international example” of how aviation can adapt to meet the needs of millions of pet owners. Salvini emphasised that the policy ensures “total safety” for passengers while also safeguarding animal welfare.
Under the new guidelines, domestic pets weighing more than the usual 8–10 kilogram cabin limit will now be allowed to fly inside the aircraft cabin, provided they do not exceed the weight permitted for a single passenger seat. The rules also include:
- Mandatory seating by the window, excluding emergency exit rows
- “Protected zones” for passengers with allergies
- A maximum number of pets allowed per flight, depending on aircraft type
- Crew notification in advance of animals on board
The Rome Fiumicino airport also inaugurated a new pet-friendly facility to make travel smoother for passengers flying with animals.
Animal welfare organisations played a key role in shaping the policy, which positions Italy as a leader in inclusive travel. Salvini called the move a “starting point towards greater civility,” adding that the long-term goal is to expand pet-friendly policies beyond aviation to beaches, restaurants, and hotels.
What about Malta?
Malta, where pet travel is becoming increasingly common, has yet to introduce similar measures for larger dogs in cabins. Currently, most airlines flying in and out of Malta maintain the traditional 8-10 kg weight limit for pets travelling in cabin, with larger dogs transported in the cargo hold.
With growing numbers of Maltese families and solo travellers flying with their pets, Italy’s model could provide a blueprint for policymakers and airlines operating in Malta to explore more pet-inclusive travel options. Such measures could not only improve passenger experience but also strengthen Malta’s reputation as a pet-friendly destination.
At the same time, Malta is still addressing more fundamental challenges in animal welfare, including the long-awaited reopening of the Ta’ Qali Animal Hospital and the introduction of a nationwide emergency veterinary care scheme. Progress in these areas, coupled with forward-looking policies like Italy’s, could pave the way for a more comprehensive pet-friendly future.
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