Wizz Air announces Starlink wifi deal as other budget rivals hold back

Published on 08/06/2026 - 15:38 GMT+2

Wizz Air has announced a deal with Elon Musk's Starlink to bring satellite internet to its entire fleet from 2027, joining a wave of European carriers adopting the technology that has so far largely bypassed the budget end of the market.

"Ultra-low-cost travel has always been about making opportunities accessible to more people," said Ian Malin, chief commercial officer of Wizz Air. "In 2027, we're taking that philosophy into the space era."

Eurowings, which operates on a low-cost model, is also due to begin a Starlink rollout later this year as part of a group-wide deal announced by parent company Lufthansa Group.

Whether that makes Wizz Air genuinely first among ultra-low-cost budget carriers is a matter of how tightly you draw the line.

The Hungarian airline did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement, nor has it confirmed whether the service will be free or offered as a paid add-on, a detail likely to matter to its cost-conscious passengers.

The announcement comes as SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, prepares for its Nasdaq debut and as the satellite internet provider continues to expand its aviation footprint rapidly.

Starlink has already signed deals with several US carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest, United and Alaska Airlines, as well as long-haul operators Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

In Europe, Latvian carrier airBaltic was first to launch the service in February 2025, followed by Air France, SAS and British Airways.

In Asia, South Korea's Hanjin Group which includes Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and three budget carriers, announced a Starlink deal in December 2025, with rollout expected from the third quarter of 2026.

Budget rivals Ryanair and EasyJet have so far held back. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has ruled out the service for now, citing installation costs, fuel drag and the short duration of the airline's average flights.

EasyJet has held talks with Starlink but says the economics do not yet stack up.

Wizz Air's results for its 2026 financial year, which ended 31 March, are due on Thursday 11 June. The airline has said it expects to break even or post a slightly positive profit for the full year.