Published: 6 November 2025
By Rupert the Reindeer, AppSavvyTraveller Editorial Team
Summary
International Airlines Group (IAG) — the parent company of British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL — has confirmed a landmark partnership with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-internet division, to install high-speed inflight Wi-Fi across more than 500 aircraft.
The first connected planes are expected to enter service in early 2026, offering passengers broadband speeds comparable to home fibre connections, with download rates of up to 450 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 70 Mbps.
Why This Matters to Travellers
For years, European flyers have lagged behind their U.S. counterparts when it comes to reliable inflight connectivity. IAG’s decision to deploy Starlink technology represents one of the largest Wi-Fi upgrades in European aviation history, bringing seamless streaming, cloud-based work, and real-time messaging to both short- and long-haul flights.
The new system will cover:
– Short-haul routes within Europe on Airbus A320-family aircraft operated by Vueling, Iberia Express, and LEVEL.
– Transatlantic and global services on British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus long-haul fleets.
When completed, IAG expects to have more high-speed Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft than any other European airline group.
The Technology Behind It
Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network allows aircraft to maintain fast, stable connectivity even over oceans and remote regions. The system can deliver download speeds between 150 Mbps and 450 Mbps, meaning passengers could download a full HD film in about five minutes — a first for European short-haul routes.
According to Ofcom, the UK’s average home broadband speed in 2024 was 223 Mbps, meaning IAG’s Starlink connection will match or surpass typical home performance. The onboard network will support streaming services, video calls, cloud storage, and online gaming without lag.
Official Comment
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group, 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.
Customers from all IAG airlines will be able to benefit from the service from next year. This demonstrates how IAG is working together as a group to drive innovation and secure major deals to benefit all our stakeholders.”
Context & Innovation Strategy
The investment forms part of IAG’s group-wide transformation programme, which includes using AI for engine maintenance and the IAGi innovation fund, backing aviation tech start-ups.
IAG carried 122 million passengers in 2024 and operates a fleet of 601 aircraft, according to its annual report. All aircraft not due for near-term retirement will be fitted with the new Starlink system.
What This Means for Travellers
- Reliable streaming: watch Netflix, Prime Video or YouTube at 35,000 feet.
- Productivity boost: handle cloud documents or join meetings via Teams or Zoom.
- Cross-device use: log in from multiple devices without drop-outs.
- Fewer dead zones: Starlink’s global satellite coverage eliminates gaps over oceans.
Pricing and access models are yet to be confirmed. British Airways is expected to make Wi-Fi free for all passengers, while other IAG airlines may follow with tiered or pay-per-use options.
Last Updated
6 November 2025
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Outbound Source: IAG official release
