ENAC

The Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC) is Italy's civil aviation authority. It handles technical regulation, certification and oversight of airlines, airports and personnel, and it is the body that enforces in Italy the passenger rights set out in European rules, such as Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. It follows EASA and ICAO standards. Accident investigation is not ENAC's job: it belongs to the ANSV (Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo).

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

In Italy, European Union price transparency rules apply (Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008): the final price, with mandatory taxes and charges, must be shown from the start of booking, and airlines must clearly state hand and checked baggage limits and costs. ENAC makes sure this information is clear and not misleading. There is no mandatory free checked baggage allowance; check what your fare includes before you travel.

Transporting animals follows the European Union's animal health rules (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013) and airline policies:

• Documents: microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination and an official health certificate (or the European pet passport); animals from countries not listed by the EU also need a rabies antibody test taken at least 3 months before travel.
• Cabin or hold: small animals usually travel in the cabin, in a carrier that fits under the seat, and larger ones in the hold. Since May 2025, an ENAC rule allows airlines to also carry larger dogs in the cabin under special conditions; each airline decides whether to offer this service.
• Booking: ask the airline to carry the animal well in advance, within its deadlines.

In Italy, European rules and recommendations and airline policies apply. Ask for seats together when booking, as seat selection fees vary. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge. Strollers and car seats usually travel free, in the hold or up to the aircraft door, according to the airline's policy, and many airlines offer priority boarding for families with young children.

ENAC ensures that passengers with disabilities or Reduced Mobility (PRM) receive the necessary assistance during their travels, as per Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006. Airlines and airports are mandatory providers of free assistance, which includes help with boarding and disembarking, the transport of wheelchairs (including onboard mobility aids), and accommodation in preferential seats whenever possible. Passengers requiring special assistance must inform the airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before the flight. For specific medical cases requiring specialized attention, a MEDIF (Medical Information Form) may be required, detailing the passenger's medical needs; this must be validated by the airline and, occasionally, by a physician. Italian airports are equipped with designated assistance points where passengers can request help upon arrival.

• ENAC - Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile: https://www.enac.gov.it/
• Passenger Rights (ENAC): https://www.enac.gov.it/passeggeri/diritti-dei-passeggeri
• European Regulations - EASA: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library
• Animal Transport (ENAC): https://www.enac.gov.it/app/uploads/2025/05/Linee-Guida-PET-in-cabina-mod.pdf
• Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (ENAC): https://www.enac.gov.it/passeggeri/diritti-dei-passeggeri-mobilita-ridotta-prm/