Altered Boarding Regulations Implemented in Italy
In a significant move aimed at improving efficiency, the Italian Ministry of the Interior and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (Enac) have introduced new rules for boarding domestic flights and travel within the Schengen area. This change applies to all flights between Italy and other Schengen countries, excluding Cyprus, Ireland, and the non-Schengen countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland[1].
Under the new regulations, passengers no longer need to present their ID cards at the gate for these flights. Instead, a boarding pass will be sufficient[1]. However, it is crucial to note that passengers should still carry their passports or ID cards, as they may be required to present them for additional checks by law enforcement[1].
The United Kingdom is not included in these new regulations. ID checks at the gate will remain in place for flights outside the Schengen area, such as to the UK[1].
Airports will maintain existing security measures, such as metal detectors, to ensure safety[1]. This new measure aims to simplify the boarding process, making it more akin to train travel, while maintaining stringent security protocols[1].
This change is expected to benefit the millions of tourists expected in Italy this summer, with approximately 6.5 million German tourists alone anticipated[1]. The rule was reported by the daily newspaper "Corriere della Sera" and sourced from ntv.de and dpa[1].
Furthermore, the Italian Ministry of the Interior has the authority to conduct ID checks on routes with high immigration, potentially including flights to France[1]. This new rule is part of a broader effort to streamline airport procedures without compromising security.
Airports are now considered protected areas, and passengers who enter the security area have already passed the usual security checks[1]. Pierluigi Di Palma, the CEO of Enac, emphasised that passengers should not forego bringing their passports or ID cards, as passengers without a document may not be allowed to board[1].
This new rule is a welcome development for travellers, offering a more seamless boarding experience while maintaining the highest standards of security.
[1] Source: ntv.de, dpa, and "Corriere della Sera"
In light of the streamlined airport procedures, the community policy now allows for a lifestyle more akin to train travel during domestic flights within the Schengen area, incorporating vocational training methods for smooth boarding processes. This new rule, however, does not absolve passengers from carrying their passports or ID cards, as they may still be required for additional checks by law enforcement, especially during travels to countries with high immigration rates, such as France.
