Starlink Considered by Ryanair Despite Elon Musk Dispute

Published: 26 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Ryanair is exploring Starlink as a future option for in-flight wifi, its finance chief confirmed. Neil Sorahan said the airline remains open to using Starlink, despite ongoing disagreements between Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and Elon Musk. The executive noted that the company would choose “whoever offers the best service, when technology and pricing align,” highlighting that Starlink could be considered if conditions were favourable. The focus on Starlink comes after O’Leary publicly rejected the idea of installing satellite antennas on the fleet, citing an estimated 2% increase in fuel drag and an additional $200-250 million in annual costs.

The spat with Musk began when the Tesla CEO responded to O’Leary’s remarks about Starlink, calling Ryanair’s interpretation “misinformed” on X. Both men exchanged insults online, with O’Leary and Musk each referring to the other as an “idiot.” Sorahan dismissed the clash as “good fun,” noting that it increased website traffic and even boosted ticket sales slightly. Ryanair launched a tongue-in-cheek “big idiot sale” campaign, which O’Leary claimed raised bookings by 2-3%, a notable surge given the airline’s 650 aircraft.

Despite these developments, Sorahan emphasised that Starlink wifi remains a distant prospect. He said the airline has considered wifi for years but faces costs from fuel consumption that must be justified by passenger demand. Passengers may hesitate to pay for connectivity on short European flights, which usually last between one and three hours. Ryanair’s model has long prioritised cost efficiency, meaning every additional expense must align with its low-fare strategy.

Ryanair recently upgraded its passenger and profit forecasts, projecting to carry 216 million travellers by March 2027. Average fares are expected to rise 7-8%, compared with previous guidance of 7%. During the third quarter to December, fares increased 4% to €44 (£38). Profit after tax fell 22% to €115 million, excluding an €85 million provision related to an Italian competition authority fine that the airline is appealing. Full-year profit is projected between €2.13 billion and €2.23 billion.

The airline also reported smoother aircraft deliveries from Boeing compared with the previous year. Ryanair expects the last four Max 8 jets to arrive by February 2026, while the newer Max 10 models are due in spring 2027. Despite this positive outlook, shares dropped 1.7% in early trading, following a more than 50% increase over 2025.

Sorahan stressed that while Starlink remains a possible option, Ryanair will continue prioritising the balance between technology investment and operational costs. The CFO reiterated that decisions would depend on who offers the most effective service at a reasonable price. The airline continues to monitor satellite internet technology developments closely, signalling openness without committing to immediate adoption.

O’Leary’s high-profile feud with Musk has kept Ryanair in the headlines, creating both controversy and marketing opportunities. The airline’s leadership views the online exchange as beneficial, helping maintain its brand visibility while engaging passengers with playful campaigns. Meanwhile, Musk continues to expand Starlink’s coverage and capabilities, making it a key player in in-flight connectivity discussions across the aviation sector.

As Ryanair navigates cost pressures, fuel considerations, and growing passenger expectations, the potential integration of Starlink wifi remains under strategic review. Observers note that competitive airlines have adopted Starlink, and passenger demand for reliable internet may rise, potentially making Starlink more attractive in the future. Ryanair’s cautious approach reflects the need to preserve its low-cost model while exploring technological enhancements that could improve customer experience without excessive expense.

Ryanair’s ongoing evaluation of Starlink highlights the broader trend of airlines assessing satellite internet solutions. While some carriers invest aggressively in connectivity, Ryanair’s emphasis on cost efficiency illustrates the challenges of balancing innovation with operational pragmatism. Starlink, with its expanding satellite network, offers possibilities for enhanced in-flight connectivity, but Ryanair will only adopt it if it aligns with financial and technical requirements.

For now, Ryanair’s focus remains on operational efficiency, passenger growth, and maximising profitability. Starlink may feature in future plans, but the airline’s leadership continues to weigh technological benefits against tangible costs. The aviation sector watches closely, as Ryanair’s decision could influence broader adoption trends for satellite-based in-flight wifi services.

Check our latest news