Emirates is switching on free Starlink Wi-Fi for everyone
Emirates is installing SpaceX Starlink across 232 Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, with the first flight on 23 November 2025 and full rollout by mid-2027. Free, fast Wi-Fi and Live TV for every passenger.
Emirates is going big on in-flight internet. The airline will install SpaceX’s Starlink across its 232 Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, starting flights this month and finishing by mid-2027. The promise is simple: fast, free Wi-Fi for everyone, plus Live TV, and even connectivity on seatback screens as well as your own devices.
Installing @Starlink on an Emirates plane https://t.co/WFq4WjH17x pic.twitter.com/jRnAapHRAN
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) November 17, 2025
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Emirates will equip its entire in-service fleet with SpaceX Starlink, starting with Boeing 777s, then A380s.
- First commercial flight with Starlink is set for 23 November 2025; rollout completes by mid-2027.
- Service is free for all passengers across all cabins, with simple one-click access.
- Two antennas per 777 and three per A380 aim to deliver “ground-quality” internet for streaming, gaming and video calls.
- Emirates calls this the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet.
What Emirates announced
Emirates confirmed a fleet-wide Starlink upgrade, with the first aircraft already fitted and shown at Dubai Airshow 2025.
- Full retrofit across 232 jets, starting with Boeing 777s in November 2025
- Free, ultra-fast Wi-Fi for all passengers in all cabins
- Live TV via Starlink, first on personal devices, then on seatbacks from late December 2025
- Integration with seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously
- Emirates’ goal: consistency across the fleet, not just on select routes
The airline says the move delivers “ground-quality” internet at cruising altitude, so you can stream, game, join video calls, work, and scroll socials without the usual in-flight pain. It’s part of a larger cabin programme that also includes Premium Economy, refreshed Business and First, and upgraded IFE.
Hardware and how it works
To keep bandwidth high across big cabins, Emirates is installing multiple Starlink antennae.
- Two antennae on each Boeing 777
- An industry-first three antennae on each A380
- Designed to boost capacity and coverage for every cabin class
- Live TV support added during rollout
More antennae means more capacity per aircraft, which matters when hundreds of passengers start streaming. Emirates also plans a simple one-click login with no payment walls or loyalty hoops.
Rollout timeline
There’s a clear schedule with an aggressive monthly install rate.
- First commercial Starlink flight: 23 November 2025
- Around 14 aircraft fitted per month
- A380 installations begin February 2026
- Entire in-service fleet covered by mid-2027
The first 777 to carry Starlink, A6-EPF, was on display at Dubai Airshow and returns to service straight after, kicking off the live rollout.
What this means for travellers in the UAE
For once, you won’t need to guess which aircraft has decent Wi-Fi.
- Free Wi-Fi for all passengers on Starlink-equipped jets
- Works on seatback screens and your own devices at the same time
- Streaming, video calls, social media and work are all supported
- Live TV arrives first on personal devices, then seatbacks
If your home network is still the weak link, see our explainer on where Wi-Fi is heading next and what a good Wi-Fi 7 router looks like: Wi-Fi 8 isn’t about speed. It’s about never dropping your connection and Firewalla Orange is the Wi-Fi 7 router your ISP won’t give you. For picking a fibre plan, here’s our guide to the best home internet packages in the UAE.
Context and scale
Emirates calls this the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet. It’s a notable step because long-haul wide-bodies carry heavy passenger loads and stay in the air for many hours, where legacy in-flight Wi-Fi often struggles. The multiple-antenna setup on 777s and A380s is meant to tackle exactly that.
FAQ
When does Starlink Wi-Fi start on Emirates?
The first commercial flight with Starlink is set for 23 November 2025, with a steady monthly ramp-up after that.
Will the Wi-Fi be free?
Yes. Emirates says Starlink will be free for all customers, across all cabins, with one-click access.
Which aircraft are getting Starlink?
All in-service Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, totalling 232 jets, are planned to be fitted by mid-2027.
What can I realistically do on board?
Emirates lists streaming, gaming, video calls, work apps and social media. Live TV will be available, first on personal devices, then on seatbacks.
Where did this news come from?
The announcement was posted by Emirates and highlighted on X; the airline’s president called it a defining step for inflight connectivity.
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