No Starlink for Ryanair! CEO Says 'No Thanks' to Inflight Wi-Fi Over Fuel Burn

TL;DR: Ryanair's CEO is saying "Adios!" to Starlink inflight internet, claiming the added weight and drag from those antennas would burn too much fuel for their short flights. Looks like you'll have to keep your eyes on the clouds, not the screen, on those budget trips.

Meta: Ryanair's CEO rejects Starlink inflight internet, citing a 2% fuel penalty and short flight durations as reasons.

No Wi-Fi Woes on Ryanair, Just Razor-Thin Margins

Alright, folks, gather 'round! You wanna talk about a company that knows how to pinch a penny until it screams? We're talking Ryanair here! While every other airline out there is rushing to slap SpaceX's Starlink on their planes for high-speed internet, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, is giving it the old "nah, I'm good." He says those antennas add weight and drag, leading to a 2% fuel penalty. Two percent! Now, for a guy who built an empire on cheap flights, 2% fuel burn is like throwing money out the window. Who needs Wi-Fi on an hour-long flight anyway, right? He figures passengers aren't willing to pay for it, and his bottom line isn't willing to subsidize it. That's a man who knows his market, baby!

Now, you got Lufthansa Group, they're gearing up to equip 850 aircraft with Starlink starting in 2026, talking about low aerodynamic drag. But for Ryanair, with their average one-hour flights and quick turnarounds, every drop of fuel counts. It's like asking a street performer to add a full orchestra to his act – it might sound nice, but who's paying for all those extra musicians?

Long-Haul vs. Short-Haul: Different Skies, Different Rules

See, for the big-dog, long-haul carriers, that Starlink makes sense. You're flying for hours, people want to stream, they want to work, they want to keep up with what's happening on Earth – or at least what's happening on TikTok. They can spread that fuel cost over many hours, and maybe even get more dough from premium services. But Ryanair? They're the kings of the quick hop. You barely get your seatbelt fastened before they're telling you to prepare for landing.

Even a small increase in fuel burn could mess with their whole business model. It's a game of inches, or in this case, a game of percentages. O'Leary ain't playing. He's probably thinking, "If you want Wi-Fi, fly somebody else! We're here to get you from point A to point B for less money than a fancy coffee!" You gotta respect that kind of commitment to the low-cost grind. No frills, just thrills (of saving a buck).

What’s Next

This decision highlights the enduring divide in the airline industry: ultra-low-cost carriers meticulously optimize every variable, while full-service airlines prioritize passenger amenities. Don't expect Ryanair to budge unless Starlink figures out how to magically eliminate that fuel penalty or somehow become cheaper than a bag of peanuts. For now, passengers on Ryanair should pack a book, enjoy the view, or maybe just talk to the person next to them. Who knows, you might even make a friend... or get a great story out of it.

Alright, time to get back to the runway. Check your bags, folks, and keep those wallets tight!