Emirates president Tim Clark praised Starlink at the Berlin Air Show.
Speaking on Tuesday, Clark said the airline has seen a surge in passenger interest since it introduced the satellite‑based internet service on its aircraft last year.
Emirates aims to equip its entire in‑service fleet of 232 wide‑body aircraft with Starlink by the middle of 2027. The carrier has not disclosed how many planes are already fitted, but it reported in April that more than 650,000 passengers have flown on Starlink‑enabled flights.
Emirates did not disclose the exact number of aircraft currently equipped with the system.
Emirates expands Starlink rollout
The airline’s rollout plan reflects a broader industry push for faster, low‑latency connectivity. Unlike traditional geostationary systems, Starlink’s low‑Earth‑orbit satellites sit much closer to the planet, cutting latency and supporting seamless video streaming, messaging and video calls during flight.
Clark said Emirates is working to bring the service to as much of its fleet as possible, describing its network as the world’s largest Starlink‑enabled international wide‑body fleet.
“It's going to become such a necessity that every airline will rush to have its own version of it. It is becoming a must‑have,”
— Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel, Amadeus
Other airlines join the connectivity race
European ultra‑low‑cost carrier Wizz Air announced this week that it will start rolling out Starlink from 2027, becoming the first budget airline in Europe to offer free satellite internet on board.
Qatar Airways was the first Middle Eastern carrier to launch Starlink in October 2024, and Gulf Air has signed an agreement to introduce the service this year, with its first Starlink‑equipped aircraft slated to fly soon.
Flydubai also selected Starlink as its in‑flight connectivity provider last year, adding to a growing list that includes United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, Air France and US charter operator JSX.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary ruled out adopting Starlink, citing a potential cost of up to $250 million a year and higher fuel consumption from the additional equipment. EasyJet has raised similar financial concerns.
A 2025 study in the Journal of Air Transport Management found that routes offering Wi‑Fi attract a higher share of passengers, suggesting that onboard connectivity can influence booking decisions. As airlines continue to invest in satellite broadband, Starlink is poised to become a standard amenity for travelers worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Which airlines in the UAE use Starlink?
Emirates and Flydubai have adopted Starlink, with Gulf Air planning to introduce it soon.
When will Emirates fully implement Starlink?
Emirates aims to equip all 232 wide-body aircraft with Starlink by mid-2027.
What are Starlink's benefits over traditional in-flight Wi-Fi?
Starlink offers lower latency, enabling seamless video streaming and calls due to its low-Earth-orbit satellites.
How many passengers have used Emirates' Starlink?
Over 650,000 passengers have flown on Emirates' Starlink-enabled flights since its 2023 rollout.
Are other UAE airlines adopting Starlink?
Gulf Air and Flydubai have committed to Starlink, joining Emirates in the UAE market.
