A handling apparatus moves drilling elements from and to a drill floor of a drilling rig includes a main support structure having a first end and a second end. An extendable ramp is between the first end of the main support structure and the drill floor. A carrier is movable relative to the main support structure and includes a first end close to the ramp and a second end distant from said ramp. A lift arm lifts and positions the carrier and includes a first end and a second end. The carrier moves between: a first position, in which the carrier is arranged above the main support structure; and a second position, in which the carrier is lifted at the level of the drill floor. The lift arm is under the carrier to move and support the second end of the carrier from and to the second position.