Starlink may be on the verge of securing its biggest commercial aviation win yet, with Emirates reportedly planning to equip its fleet with SpaceX’s satellite-powered in-flight Wi-Fi. According to Bloomberg, Emirates is preparing to adopt Starlink across its aircraft — even though the service isn’t currently approved for use in the United Arab Emirates. The publication’s sources said the alleged deal is expected to be announced at the Dubai Air Show starting Monday.
If finalized, this would mark a major milestone for SpaceX. Emirates is not only the world’s most profitable airline but also the largest international carrier globally, operating a widebody fleet of roughly 250 jets with more than 300 additional aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus. Securing a partnership with a flagship airline of this scale would be a massive endorsement of Starlink’s aviation ambitions.
The move also comes after months of reports that Emirates had been in active discussions with SpaceX over bringing Starlink on board. Qatar Airways became the first Gulf airline to adopt Starlink last year, and other regional carriers — including Gulf Air and Flydubai — have been weighing deals of their own.
Starlink is also reportedly in advanced talks with Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier. While the kingdom hasn’t authorized Starlink yet, Elon Musk said during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May that approval for aviation and maritime use is on the way.
Regulatory approval remains the key sticking point. The UAE is not yet among the countries that allow Starlink, and the service also isn’t certified for the Airbus A380, Emirates’ marquee jet. Both issues would need to be resolved before Starlink can go live across the fleet.
Still, Starlink’s airline adoption has been accelerating worldwide. British Airways recently announced plans to offer free Starlink-powered Wi-Fi beginning next year, joining a rapidly growing list of carriers opting for low-latency satellite connectivity.
With momentum building and multiple Gulf-region partnerships lining up, a deal with Emirates could be the clearest sign yet that Starlink is quickly becoming the future of in-flight internet.
