Emirates has begun rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi across flights from the UAE to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Bahrain and Jordan — marking one of the region’s biggest upgrades to in-flight connectivity. The first Starlink-equipped flight takes off on November 23, with the airline retrofitting all 232 wide-body aircraft by mid-2027.
The $5 billion programme will equip Emirates’ Boeing and Airbus jets with SpaceX’s satellite technology, enabling passengers in every cabin to stay connected with high-speed, low-latency internet for streaming, gaming, video calls, messaging and work — all free of charge, with no loyalty programmes required.
Emirates will retrofit around 14 aircraft per month, debuting the world’s first Starlink-equipped A380 in February 2026. The airline says the upgrade reinforces its leadership in premium travel and responds to rising demand for seamless digital services.
Starlink already operates in several regional markets, and Emirates expects full activation shortly after takeoff even before UAE regulatory approvals are finalised. The move positions Emirates alongside regional frontrunners such as Qatar Airways, which first introduced Starlink in 2024, while bringing the technology to a much larger fleet.
The introduction of Starlink is set to transform long-haul and regional travel, offering uninterrupted connectivity across global routes — a major step in Emirates’ ongoing investment in elevating the passenger experience and strengthening its position as a digital-first aviation leader.
Emirates launches free Starlink Wi-Fi on flights from the UAE to key Middle East destinations
