Aer Lingus to Introduce High-Speed Starlink Wi-Fi Across Fleet from Early 2026

Aer Lingus passengers will soon enjoy internet speeds comparable to home broadband while flying, following a major announcement today by parent company International Airlines Group (IAG). The Irish airline will implement Starlink-enabled connectivity across its aircraft, with the first services going live in early 2026.

The partnership will bring high-speed wi-fi to more than 500 aircraft across IAG's airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL and Vueling. The technology will cover both short-haul European routes and long-haul transatlantic services, directly benefiting passengers flying from Cork and other Irish airports.

Starlink's satellite technology will deliver download speeds of 150 to 450 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 to 70 megabits per second. These speeds will enable passengers to download films, stream content smoothly, and work from the cloud whilst in flight.

The rollout represents a significant upgrade in onboard connectivity. According to UK regulator Ofcom, the average UK home broadband speed was 223 megabits per second in 2024, meaning passengers could experience speeds as good as or better than their home internet connection.

Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG said:

"Staying connected in the skies is increasingly important to our airlines' customers. The introduction of high-speed wi-fi from Starlink will transform onboard connectivity, improving both the connection speed and reliability for customers."

IAG confirmed that all aircraft not scheduled for near-term retirement will receive the new wi-fi system. As of 31st December 2024, IAG operated a fleet of 601 aircraft. Implementation plans will vary by airline and will be communicated as rollout schedules are finalised.

The announcement forms part of IAG's broader innovation strategy, which includes artificial intelligence for engine maintenance optimisation and the IAGi venturing fund for investing in aviation technology startups.