Image: British Airways
Gulf Air is officially joining the growing list of airlines embracing SpaceX’s Starlink for in-flight connectivity. Bahrain’s national carrier has announced it will roll out Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across its entire fleet starting mid-2026, offering complimentary internet access to passengers from boarding through arrival.
According to Gulf Air, the agreement was signed between Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Martin Gauss and SpaceX’s Global Head of Starlink Aviation, Nick Seitz, with senior government and aviation leaders in attendance. The airline says the move is designed to significantly elevate the onboard experience while also supporting Bahrain’s broader digital ambitions.
“Introducing Starlink across Gulf Air’s fleet demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience,” said Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Hussain Taqi. “Advanced connectivity on every flight redefines what passengers can expect from the national carrier. It also supports Bahrain’s digital transformation goals, and empowers our cabin crew to deliver seamless, exceptional service.”
Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Starlink will be available to all passengers regardless of cabin class or ticket type. “With Starlink on board, Gulf Air is bringing next-generation in-flight connectivity to all passengers, whether traveling for leisure or business. From boarding until arrival, customers can stream, game, work, or stay in touch with loved ones, regardless of cabin or ticket type. This upgrades the entire travel experience and reinforces our commitment to delivering premium, seamless connectivity for every journey.”
Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink relies on a rapidly expanding constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, enabling high-speed, low-latency internet that’s well-suited for aviation use. Gulf Air says the first Starlink-equipped A320 aircraft is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026, with fleet-wide installation to follow.
The announcement comes as Starlink continues to gain serious momentum in the aviation industry. In the Gulf region alone, premium carriers like Emirates and flydubai have already signed deals to offer Starlink-powered Wi-Fi aboard their flights, while Qatar Airways has quietly built the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet. Gulf Air also joins British Airways, which has announced plans to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi starting this year.
In North America, Alaska Airlines recently said it is fast-tracking Starlink deployment across its entire fleet after successful early tests. Importantly, SpaceX’s Nick Seitz has confirmed that airlines partnering with Starlink are expected to keep the service free for passengers, a major differentiator compared to traditional paid in-flight Wi-Fi systems.
As more airlines jump on board, Starlink is quickly reshaping expectations around in-flight connectivity — turning fast, free internet from a luxury into a baseline feature.
