Elon Musk Suggests Buying Ryanair in Public Dispute

The exchange unfolded on social media following O’Leary’s rejection of Musk’s Starlink satellite technology for in-flight Wi-Fi on Ryanair flights.

O’Leary argued that installing Starlink equipment would increase fuel costs due to added drag and would not make economic sense for short-haul flights, where passengers are unlikely to pay extra for internet access.

Musk responded by criticizing the decision and floating the idea of acquiring the airline, despite EU rules that require European airlines to be majority-owned by investors from approved European countries.

Ryanair escalated the dispute by mocking Musk in a post on its official X account and tying the exchange to a promotional ticket sale. The airline also announced that O’Leary would address the issue at a press conference.

The spat highlights a broader debate within the airline industry over whether in-flight connectivity is worth the cost, particularly for low-cost carriers.

While some airlines have embraced Starlink, others remain cautious. Both Musk and O’Leary are known for provocative public statements, and the exchange has quickly become one of the most visible corporate feuds of the year.