Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Musk and O'Leary clash over Starlink
Elon Musk and Michael O'Leary, the CEOs of SpaceX and Ryanair respectively, are having a big argument.
Musk wants to put his Starlink internet service on Ryanair planes, but O'Leary says it would make the planes use more fuel and cost a lot of money.
They've been saying mean things about each other on social media.
O'Leary said Musk doesn't know anything about planes, and Musk said O'Leary should be fired.
Musk even joked about buying Ryanair and putting someone named Ryan in charge.
It's a big fight between two very rich and powerful business leaders.
Elon Musk and Michael O'Leary are in a public dispute over the installation of Starlink internet on Ryanair planes.
O'Leary rejects Starlink due to concerns about increased fuel costs and the impact of the antenna's weight and drag.
Musk calls O'Leary 'misinformed' and suggests Ryanair will lose passengers without in-flight WiFi.
Musk publicly criticizes O'Leary, calling him an 'utter idiot' and suggesting he should be fired.
Musk jokes about buying Ryanair and putting someone named Ryan in charge, sparking public debate.
- Who
- Elon Musk (SpaceX CEO) and Michael O'Leary (Ryanair CEO)
- What
- Public dispute over Starlink internet installation on Ryanair planes and potential acquisition of Ryanair by Musk
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalation this week (Jan 14-16, 2026)
- Where
- Global, with comments made on social media and radio
- Why
- Disagreement over fuel costs, passenger demand for in-flight WiFi, and Musk's public criticism of O'Leary
Elon Musk's Starlink
Michael O'Leary's Ryanair
Starlink Installation
Elon Musk's Starlink
Musk believes Starlink should be installed on Ryanair planes, arguing that in-flight WiFi is becoming an expectation for passengers.
Michael O'Leary's Ryanair
O'Leary rejects Starlink installation due to concerns about increased fuel costs and the impact of the antenna's weight and drag.
Fuel Costs
Elon Musk's Starlink
Musk claims O'Leary is misinformed about the fuel impact of Starlink equipment.
Michael O'Leary's Ryanair
O'Leary estimates a 2% fuel penalty and an annual cost of $250 million for Ryanair.
Passenger Demand
Elon Musk's Starlink
Musk argues that Ryanair will lose passengers to competitors offering in-flight WiFi.
Michael O'Leary's Ryanair
O'Leary believes Ryanair passengers are not willing to pay for WiFi on average 1-hour flights.
- Companies Involved
- SpaceX, Ryanair
- Key Figures
- Elon Musk, Michael O'Leary
- Starlink Proposal
- Installation of Starlink internet on Ryanair fleet
- Ryanair's Concern
- 2% fuel penalty due to weight and drag
- Estimated Annual Cost
- $250 million
- O'Leary's Bonus
- $116 million (2028)
- Musk's Public Statement
- Called O'Leary an 'utter idiot' and suggested buying Ryanair
- Ryanair's Response
- Mocked Musk's X outage with a Wi-Fi jab
Sources
‘Fire him’: Elon Musk lashes out at Ryanair CEO as Starlink row turns ugly — here's what happened
‘Should I buy Ryanair?’: Elon Musk’s viral threat after airline trolls X outage; social media erupts
Elon Musk Considers Buying Ryanair After Calling Its CEO 'Utter Idiot'
Elon Musk jokes about buying Ryanair airline and replacing its CEO amid Starlink Wi-Fi row