Finance
Musk and Ryanair CEO clash over cost of Starlink Wi-Fi on planes
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 16, 2026
Last updated: January 16, 2026
Elon Musk and Ryanair's O'Leary Spar Over Starlink Wi-Fi Costs
The Clash Over Starlink Wi-Fi Costs
Jan 16 (Reuters) - Elon Musk on Friday called Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary an "utter idiot" who should be fired, escalating a public spat that began after the airline boss ruled out installing Musk's Starlink internet service on Ryanair aircraft.
Musk's Response to O'Leary
O'Leary on Wednesday dismissed the idea of equipping any of Ryanair's more than 600 jets with Musk's Starlink, citing the impact of fuel costs from drag caused by the antenna and estimating the service would cost the airlines up to $250 million a year.
O'Leary's Concerns About Starlink
Musk responded on his social media platform X, saying that O'Leary was "misinformed" and arguing that Ryanair did not know how to measure the fuel impact of Starlink equipment.
Implications for Airlines
Speaking later to Irish radio station Newstalk, O’Leary said Musk knew “zero” about aviation and drag, calling the U.S. billionaire an “idiot” and describing X as a “cesspit.”
Musk, whose company SpaceX operates Starlink, fired back on Friday.
"Ryanair CEO is an utter idiot. Fire him." Musk posted on X. When a follower suggested Musk should buy Ryanair and dismiss O’Leary himself, Musk replied: “Good idea.”
Airlines have become an increasingly important customer base for Starlink, a network powered by thousands of low‑Earth orbit satellites that aims to provide faster and more reliable in‑flight WiFi. More than two dozen carriers — including United Airlines, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa — are rolling out the service across their fleets.
While financial terms have not been disclosed, analysts view Starlink as a premium product likely to appeal primarily to long‑haul and full‑service airlines.
(Reporting by Joe Brock; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Frequently Asked Questions about Musk and Ryanair CEO clash over cost of Starlink Wi-Fi on planes
1What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX to provide high-speed internet access globally, especially in remote areas.
2What is in-flight Wi-Fi?
In-flight Wi-Fi is a service that allows passengers on an aircraft to connect to the internet while flying, typically using satellite technology.
3What are fuel costs in aviation?
Fuel costs in aviation refer to the expenses incurred by airlines for the fuel needed to operate their aircraft, which can significantly impact overall operational costs.
4What is drag in aviation?
Drag in aviation is the aerodynamic resistance that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air, affecting fuel efficiency and performance.
