Dubai’s Emirates to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on 150 aircraft by end of 2026

Dubai: Dubai's Emirates will equip 150 aircraft with free Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2026, a top executive of the airline revealed on Wednesday.

The rollout has begun with the installation of Starlink on 10 Boeing 777 aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer at Emirates, announced during a media roundtable at the airline's headquarters.

Al Redha said the airline has received encouraging feedback from passengers using the Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity across all passenger classes.

"The feedback from passengers using the Wi-Fi connectivity has been very positive," he noted.

Which routes they fly?

When asked about which routes the Starlink-equipped aircraft fly, Al Redha explained that aircraft rotation is subject to operational planning and changes regularly.

The ambitious deployment represents a major step in Emirates' broader plan to retrofit its entire 232-strong wide-body fleet with the satellite-based internet service by mid-2027.

Al Redha declined to disclose the installation costs, noting that commercial details between Emirates and Starlink are confidential. However, he emphasised the airline's commitment to investing in passenger experience at every touchpoint.

"Emirates continues to see high demand across the network – to Dubai, from Dubai, and across all destinations. With this strong demand and high need for travel, the airline has not shied away from taking further steps and making investments," Al Redha said.

Ground and air improvements

Beyond Starlink, Emirates is uplifting various elements of its product offering both in the air and on the ground, including catering, accessories aboard aircraft, and ground setups.

The airline expects to complete 38 dedicated lounges globally for premium passengers by the end of this calendar year, representing a significant expansion of its ground services infrastructure.