Elon Musk and Ryanair's Michael O'Leary Clash Over Starlink Wi-Fi
Published 20 January 2026
Highlights
- Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary are embroiled in a public spat over the use of Starlink technology on Ryanair flights.
- Musk has suggested buying Ryanair and replacing O'Leary, following the CEO's rejection of Starlink due to increased fuel costs.
- Ryanair mocked Musk on social media, promoting a sale and questioning his understanding of flight aerodynamics.
- Despite Musk's history of following through on such ideas, Ryanair's share price remained largely unaffected.
- EU regulations pose a significant barrier to Musk's potential acquisition of Ryanair, requiring majority EU ownership.
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Rewritten Article
Elon Musk and Ryanair's Michael O'Leary Clash Over Starlink Wi-Fi
A public feud between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has intensified, with Musk proposing to buy the budget airline after O'Leary dismissed the idea of installing Musk's Starlink satellite internet on Ryanair's fleet. The spat, which has unfolded over social media, highlights the challenges and costs associated with integrating new technology into aviation.
The Origin of the Dispute
The disagreement began when O'Leary rejected the use of Starlink technology on Ryanair flights, citing concerns over increased fuel costs. According to O'Leary, adding Starlink antennas would result in a 2% fuel drag, potentially adding $200 million to $250 million to the airline's annual fuel bill. "Passengers won't pay for internet usage," O'Leary stated, emphasizing that the additional costs would be unsustainable for the airline.
Musk's Response and Social Media Exchange
In response, Musk took to his social media platform, X, to criticize O'Leary's decision, labeling him an "idiot" and suggesting he should be fired. Musk further escalated the situation by polling his followers on whether he should purchase Ryanair and appoint someone named Ryan as CEO. Despite the playful nature of the poll, it drew significant attention, with over three-quarters of respondents supporting the idea.
Ryanair, known for its cheeky social media presence, responded by mocking Musk, suggesting he might need Wi-Fi himself. The airline also used the opportunity to promote a sale, humorously targeting "idiots" on X.
Legal and Financial Implications
While Musk's suggestion of acquiring Ryanair may seem far-fetched, it is not without precedent. The billionaire previously expressed interest in purchasing Twitter, a move he eventually realized in a $44 billion deal. However, acquiring Ryanair would face significant hurdles due to EU regulations requiring majority ownership by EU nationals or citizens of specific European countries. This legal barrier, combined with Ryanair's stable share price, suggests that investors are not taking Musk's proposal seriously.
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, the ongoing spat between Musk and O'Leary could have broader implications for the aviation industry, particularly in the context of integrating satellite internet technology. If Musk were to pursue a serious bid for Ryanair, it would require navigating complex EU ownership laws and potentially reshaping the airline's operational strategies.
Experts suggest that while the current exchange may be more about media attention than actual business moves, it underscores the growing importance of connectivity in air travel. As more airlines adopt satellite internet solutions, the debate over cost versus passenger demand will likely continue to evolve, influencing future decisions in the sector.
A public feud between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has intensified, with Musk proposing to buy the budget airline after O'Leary dismissed the idea of installing Musk's Starlink satellite internet on Ryanair's fleet. The spat, which has unfolded over social media, highlights the challenges and costs associated with integrating new technology into aviation.
The Origin of the Dispute
The disagreement began when O'Leary rejected the use of Starlink technology on Ryanair flights, citing concerns over increased fuel costs. According to O'Leary, adding Starlink antennas would result in a 2% fuel drag, potentially adding $200 million to $250 million to the airline's annual fuel bill. "Passengers won't pay for internet usage," O'Leary stated, emphasizing that the additional costs would be unsustainable for the airline.
Musk's Response and Social Media Exchange
In response, Musk took to his social media platform, X, to criticize O'Leary's decision, labeling him an "idiot" and suggesting he should be fired. Musk further escalated the situation by polling his followers on whether he should purchase Ryanair and appoint someone named Ryan as CEO. Despite the playful nature of the poll, it drew significant attention, with over three-quarters of respondents supporting the idea.
Ryanair, known for its cheeky social media presence, responded by mocking Musk, suggesting he might need Wi-Fi himself. The airline also used the opportunity to promote a sale, humorously targeting "idiots" on X.
Legal and Financial Implications
While Musk's suggestion of acquiring Ryanair may seem far-fetched, it is not without precedent. The billionaire previously expressed interest in purchasing Twitter, a move he eventually realized in a $44 billion deal. However, acquiring Ryanair would face significant hurdles due to EU regulations requiring majority ownership by EU nationals or citizens of specific European countries. This legal barrier, combined with Ryanair's stable share price, suggests that investors are not taking Musk's proposal seriously.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the ongoing spat between Musk and O'Leary could have broader implications for the aviation industry, particularly in the context of integrating satellite internet technology. If Musk were to pursue a serious bid for Ryanair, it would require navigating complex EU ownership laws and potentially reshaping the airline's operational strategies.
Experts suggest that while the current exchange may be more about media attention than actual business moves, it underscores the growing importance of connectivity in air travel. As more airlines adopt satellite internet solutions, the debate over cost versus passenger demand will likely continue to evolve, influencing future decisions in the sector.
