Following yesterday’s passing of Pope Francis, Italian transportation officials are preparing for the arrival of millions of mourners, including world leaders and other dignitaries. Global trip support provider Universal Weather and Aviation reports that business aircraft operators headed to Rome should expect significant procedural changes over the coming days.

The Eternal City’s airport authority immediately implemented a suspension of all prior permission required (PPR) releases for April 24 through April 30 at Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (LIRF) and Ciampino Airport (LIRA). All PPR requests will now be reviewed and approved on a daily basis with no advance guarantees during this period.

Once a PPR is approved, any modifications, including date of arrival, operator, or even aircraft type, will result in cancellation of the existing approval. Cancellations of approved PPRs within 48 hours of scheduled arrival could result in possible penalties of €500.

Universal Italy is awaiting the release of official notams specific to the funeral and subsequent ceremonies, which could result in temporary flight restrictions and airspace closures. As well, it expects to relay information on VIP handling protocols, diplomatic clearance requirements, and any special security measures that will affect business aviation operations.

In the meantime, the company advises operators to file all requests as early as possible, identify alternate airports outside Rome for repositioning, and allow for significant delays.