In a significant development for a European airline, British Airways has signed a major deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi on all its aircraft by 2026. This means that passengers in all cabins will be able to stream, work or stay connected from gate to gate, including over oceans and remote regions.
This development is another step in the airline’s £7 billion transformation programme, which was launched in 2024 with the aim of enhancing the customer experience, improving the digital infrastructure and increasing onboard comfort.
British Airways is owned by the International Airlines Group (IAG) and the agreement with Starlink will also extend to its sister airlines, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling. This will ensure consistent high-speed connectivity across the group’s fleet of over 500 aircraft.
“With our new Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, our customers will be able to enjoy lightning-fast, low-lag internet from the moment they board to the moment they land – even over oceans and remote regions,” said Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive. “It’s Wi-Fi that feels like home, even at 38,000 feet.”
Operated by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s most advanced satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. It offers broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Starlink is Musk’s brainchild. It shot to global fame in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine and cut off the country’s connectivity. Musk then stepped in, offering Starlink to reopen Ukraine’s digital skies. Since then, the company has expanded its partnerships with airlines, cruise lines, and remote regions worldwide.
Starlink will soon be available on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level and Vueling aircraft.
— Starlink (@Starlink) November 7, 2025
Stream, game, work and more with reliable high-speed in-flight connectivity 🛰️✈️ https://t.co/vKyEJ3Lldu
BA isn’t the first to turn to Starlink. A growing number of carriers are already partnering with Starlink, including United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JSX Air, and airBaltic. In the United States, other airlines are also moving towards offering free in-flight Wi-Fi: Southwest Airlines provides connectivity through T-Mobile, and American Airlines offers complimentary access to its loyalty programme members.
Doyle describes the addition of Starlink to British Airways’ fleet as a “game changer”.
“Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is transformative for us and for our customers, offering them seamless connectivity from gate to gate. Especially on short-haul routes, this will really set us apart from our competitors”.
@british_airways No more FOMO at 35,000 feet with Starlink’s lightning-fast Wi-Fi available for free to all our customers. We’re starting the roll out in 2026 ✈️🛜 #BritishAirways #Starlink #WiFi ♬ original sound – British Airways
As part of its ongoing transformation plan, the airline has introduced over 1,000 upgrades, including redesigned lounges, new culinary concepts and record punctuality levels. In 2025, 81 per cent of flights departed on time thanks to AI-driven scheduling systems. The transformation programme also includes the delivery of 36 new aircraft, 17 of which are short-haul A320neo jets featuring seats designed by British manufacturers. The programme also includes the introduction of the highly anticipated new First Suite cabin.
Currently, British Airways offers limited in-flight Wi-Fi. Executive Club members can send text messages and basic emails free of charge, but streaming and full internet access cost between £4.99 (€5.67) and £21.99 (€25) per flight, depending on the flight’s duration and destination. The new Starlink service will eliminate these fees.
For passengers, this will mean Wi-Fi “that feels like home” – and for British Airways, it will give them a new competitive edge in the race to modernise European aviation.
