Starlink enters European ultra-low-cost flights through Wizz Air
Starlink connectivity will allow Wizz Air passengers to access low-latency internet during flights.
Wizz Air has announced plans to roll out Starlink connectivity across its fleet from 2027, bringing low-Earth-orbit satellite internet to the European ultra-low-cost airline market.
The airline said it would become the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to offer Starlink’s in-flight internet technology to passengers. The service is expected to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity during flights.
The move is significant because high-quality in-flight internet has often been treated as a premium service or a paid add-on, rather than a standard feature for low-cost travel. Wizz Air said passengers should not have to choose between affordable fares and reliable onboard connectivity.
The rollout would place Wizz Air among a growing group of airlines using Starlink to upgrade in-flight internet. Several full-service and hybrid carriers have already announced or begun Starlink deployments, but low-cost airlines have been more cautious because of installation, operating, weight and fuel-cost concerns.
Wizz Air’s decision suggests that satellite-based connectivity is moving beyond premium cabins and long-haul carriers into mass-market aviation. If implemented across the fleet, the service could change passenger expectations for affordable short- and medium-haul travel.
Ian Malin, Wizz Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, said ultra-low-cost travel has been about making opportunities accessible to more people and that the airline now wants to extend that approach to connectivity.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide broadband connectivity with lower latency than traditional satellite internet systems. Its growing use in aviation reflects the wider expansion of satellite internet into transport, consumer connectivity and digital infrastructure markets.
Why does it matter?
The story matters because Starlink is helping shift in-flight connectivity from a premium airline feature towards a broader digital access expectation. If ultra-low-cost carriers can offer reliable satellite internet without undermining their fare model, connected air travel could become more common across short- and medium-haul routes. The move also shows how low-Earth-orbit satellite networks are expanding into mainstream transport infrastructure, not just for rural broadband or emergency connectivity.
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