Image: British Airways
British Airways has announced a major deal with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring free, high-speed Wi-Fi to every passenger on every flight, starting in 2026. Once the rollout begins, all customers — across both short-haul and long-haul routes — will enjoy complimentary gate-to-gate connectivity with no special login required. The move marks another major step in the airline’s £7 billion ($9.16 billion USD) transformation program.
The partnership follows months of speculation, with British Airways and SpaceX reportedly in talks for in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi since late 2024, and reports of the two nearing a deal surfacing this past August. Now, it’s official: the airline will become one of the largest global carriers to fully adopt Starlink’s low-orbit satellite technology.
Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, called the deal a game-changer for passengers: “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. It’s Wi-Fi that feels like home, even at 38,000 feet.”
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The rollout will cover the airline’s fleet of nearly 300 aircraft, including both mainline and Euroflyer flights. Starlink Wi-Fi will also expand to other International Airlines Group (IAG) carriers: Aer Lingus and Iberia passengers will get free access, while Vueling and Iberia Express customers will see the service offered as a paid option.
This announcement comes amid growing momentum for Starlink’s aviation business. United Airlines last month debuted its first mainline jet with Starlink Wi-Fi, while Canada’s WestJet plans to begin offering free Starlink-powered internet later this year. SpaceX is reportedly also in advanced talks to bring in-flight Starlink connectivity to Saudi Arabia’s flagship carrier and Emirates, which ranks among the world’s leading luxury airlines.
British Airways says this partnership is part of a broader overhaul that’s already delivered over 1,000 transformation initiatives, from revamped lounges to AI-driven punctuality improvements. With Starlink connectivity, BA passengers will soon have fast, reliable internet that rivals their home broadband — even while cruising miles above the Atlantic.
