Gulf Air has announced that it will be joining the ranks of airlines offering SpaceX’s Starlink for in-flight connectivity. The national carrier of Bahrain will be rolling out Starlink-powered Wi-Fi across its entire fleet starting mid-2026, providing complimentary internet access to passengers from boarding through arrival.
The agreement was signed between Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Martin Gauss and SpaceX’s Global Head of Starlink Aviation, Nick Seitz, with senior government and aviation leaders in attendance. Gulf Air sees this move as a way to significantly enhance the onboard experience for passengers while also supporting Bahrain’s broader digital ambitions.
Chairman of Gulf Air Group, Khalid Hussain Taqi, expressed the airline’s commitment to improving the passenger experience by introducing Starlink across its fleet. He emphasized that advanced connectivity on every flight will redefine passenger expectations and support Bahrain’s digital transformation goals.
Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss reiterated this sentiment, stating that Starlink will be available to all passengers regardless of cabin class or ticket type. This next-generation in-flight connectivity will allow passengers to stream, game, work, or stay in touch with loved ones throughout their journey, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Starlink, engineered by SpaceX, utilizes a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet that is ideal for aviation use. Gulf Air plans to have the first Starlink-equipped A320 aircraft in service by mid-2026, with fleet-wide installation to follow.
The announcement from Gulf Air comes at a time when Starlink is gaining traction in the aviation industry. Premium carriers like Emirates and flydubai in the Gulf region have already signed deals to offer Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on their flights. Qatar Airways has also quietly built the world’s largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet. British Airways has announced plans to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi starting this year.
In North America, Alaska Airlines is fast-tracking Starlink deployment across its fleet after successful early tests. Partnering airlines are expected to keep the service free for passengers, distinguishing Starlink from traditional paid in-flight Wi-Fi systems.
As more airlines adopt Starlink for in-flight connectivity, the expectation of fast and free internet is becoming a standard feature rather than a luxury. Starlink is quickly reshaping the landscape of in-flight connectivity, setting a new benchmark for passenger experience.