Ryanair’s CEO says he doesn’t believe his passengers want Starlink internet on board — but Elon Musk strongly disagrees.
Michael O’Leary has dismissed the idea of adding SpaceX’s satellite WiFi service to Ryanair flights, arguing that most customers wouldn’t pay for internet on short, low-cost journeys. Musk responded on X by warning that Europe’s biggest airline could lose passengers to competitors that do offer onboard connectivity.
Several major carriers, including Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines, have already announced plans to roll out Starlink, with free in-flight internet for passengers. But Ryanair continues to stick to its no-frills model, focusing on ultra-low fares, fast turnarounds, and charging for extras rather than adding premium features.
The disagreement has also extended to costs. O’Leary claimed installing Starlink would add around a 2% fuel penalty due to extra weight and drag. SpaceX executives pushed back, saying their data shows the impact is far smaller — closer to 0.3% on the Boeing 737-800, which makes up most of Ryanair’s fleet. Musk even suggested it could be reduced further.
Despite pressure from competitors upgrading their services, Ryanair sees little reason to change course. While US budget airlines have moved toward more premium offerings to stay competitive, Ryanair has doubled down on simplicity — and it’s paying off. The airline recently posted profits of €1.72 billion, up 20% from last year, proving that its stripped-down approach still works in Europe’s travel market.