The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) had previously approved the possibility of allowing large dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin, and now we have finally reached the stage of practical implementation: the first airline to open the cabin doors to such pets is ITA Airways.
On 23 September 2025, the national carrier will operate the first demonstration flight in Europe, where dogs weighing up to 25 kg will be able to travel in the aircraft cabin without a carrier, next to their owners. Until now, the rules were strict: only animals weighing up to 8–10 kg including the carrier were allowed in the cabin, while all other pets had to travel in the cargo hold.
The new ITA Airways project, developed with the support of ENAC and leading animal welfare organisations, changes this standard and puts animal welfare and passenger comfort first. On the demonstration flight AZ2029, departing on 23 September at 9:00 from Milan Linate to Rome Fiumicino, only two dogs will be admitted: up to 14 kg in Economy Class (last row) and up to 25 kg in Superior Class (first row). The animals will stay next to their owner, but not next to other passengers. They must wear a muzzle and harness, sit on an absorbent mat, have an ISO-standard microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, updated core vaccines, a veterinary fitness-to-fly certificate, and a European passport or equivalent document. Preventive antiparasitic treatment is also mandatory.
Thus, a new format will appear on board: a dog sits as a full-fledged travel companion, without a crate, but in full compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. Other animals, including those under 10 kg normally permitted in the cabin, will not be admitted on this flight.
This initiative is the first step towards making flights safer and more humane. For now, the innovation is limited to one flight and dogs up to 25 kg, while dogs heavier than this must still travel in the cargo hold in a crate. But if the experiment proves successful, ITA Airways is considering gradually expanding the rules and launching regular flights for larger pets.
We are closely following the news on animal transport and will keep you updated on all developments.