November 07, (THEWILL) — British Airways has announced that it will begin offering free, high-speed Wi-Fi across all its flights from 2026, following a partnership between its parent company, International Airlines Group, and Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The airline said the service will be available across all cabins — economy, business and first class — allowing passengers to stream, work, browse and connect multiple devices without extra charges or complex login procedures.
Once deployed, the Starlink network will provide uninterrupted connectivity from boarding to landing, including during flights over oceans and remote airspaces.
British Airways said in a statement, “With a rollout starting in 2026, every customer in every cabin will enjoy free, high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink.
“Whether locking in last-minute plans, catching up on work or streaming your favourite shows, you’ll stay connected from gate to gate — with Wi-Fi that feels like home, even at 38,000 feet.”
The airline noted that the upgrade forms a key part of its ongoing £7 billion transformation programme aimed at improving digital infrastructure, modernising its fleet and boosting customer satisfaction.
BA Chief Executive, Sean Doyle, described the Starlink integration as “game-changing,” adding that it would give the airline a competitive edge, particularly on short-haul routes where in-flight Wi-Fi is often slow, costly or unavailable.
“We’re continuing to transform our customer experience. With our new Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, customers will enjoy seamless, high-speed internet from gate to gate,” Doyle said.
Currently, BA offers limited connectivity via its .air service, where basic messaging is free for loyalty members, while browsing and streaming packages cost between £4.99 and £21.99.
The Starlink rollout will replace this model with free, high-quality access for all passengers.
IAG said more than 500 aircraft across British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling will be fitted with the technology, making it one of the first major airline groups to adopt fleet-wide satellite broadband coverage.
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