British Airways to Introduce Starlink Wi-Fi in March, Rollout Details Uncertain

British Airways has announced that it will introduce Starlink Wi-Fi on its aircraft starting in March 2026. However, details regarding the rollout remain vague for the time being. The update was shared by Chief Executive Sean Doyle in an internal memo to mark the airline’s financial results for 2025.

Starlink Wi-Fi Rollout Progress

Doyle expressed confidence in the ongoing Starlink installation efforts, stating that British Airways is making “excellent progress.” Despite this positive outlook, the technology has yet to be implemented on any aircraft, underscoring the complexity of the upgrade process.

Agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink

• British Airways signed a contract with Starlink in November 2025.
• The deal is part of a larger agreement involving the airline’s parent company, IAG.
• Starlink will be available across all IAG-owned airlines, including Aer Lingus and Iberia.

Passengers flying with British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia will enjoy free access to Starlink, while budget carriers under IAG, such as Vueling and LEVEL, are expected to charge for the service.

Competitive Advantage over Rivals

British Airways aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Air France and Lufthansa, who are also pursuing Starlink installations. Offering free, high-speed Wi-Fi on short-haul flights is expected to set British Airways apart from budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

Ryanair’s Stance on Starlink

Recently, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, publicly dismissed Starlink, even entering a dispute with Elon Musk over the potential impact of the system on fuel efficiency.

Efficiency of Starlink Installation

Other airlines, including United Airlines and Qatar Airways, have noted that installing Starlink’s technology is significantly quicker than traditional Wi-Fi systems. Starlink utilizes a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to provide reliable high-speed internet access worldwide.

The unique feature of Starlink is that it can be used gate-to-gate by all passengers without additional charges, which allows for connectivity on multiple devices.

Conclusion

As British Airways prepares to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi, the industry will be closely watching its rollout. With a commitment to enhancing customer experience, the airline seeks to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving aviation landscape.