6 GCC airlines to offer free in-flight WiFi in 2026

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GCC airlines offering free WiFi starlink

Carriers like Emirates are offering enhanced in-flight WiFi

With the advent of Starlink, a new era of in-flight connectivity is taking off across the GCC. Powered by SpaceX’s high-speed satellite network, Starlink is enabling airlines to deliver ground‑like internet speeds at 35,000 feet.

In 2026, a number of regional carriers are introducing complimentary WiFi through the technology, providing travellers with speeds of up to 800 Mbps.

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways was the first GCC carrier to deploy Starlink WiFi and the first airline globally to operate a Boeing 777 equipped with the technology on a Doha–London flight in 2024. Since then, the airline has rolled out Starlink across more than 50 Boeing 777s and select A350s through an accelerated retrofit programme. The service provides gate-to-gate connectivity with ultra-fast internet speeds of up to 500 megabits per second, available at no cost to passengers.

2. Emirates

Emirates has begun rolling out Starlink WiFi across its Boeing 777 fleet, positioning the airline to operate one of the world’s largest Starlink-enabled fleets. Passengers can expect ultra-fast broadband and simple one-click access via both personal devices and seatback screens in all cabins. The full rollout aims to cover all 232 aircraft by mid-2027 making Emirates the first airline to equip the Airbus A380 with Starlink. Prior to this, free internet access was limited to Skywards members.

Emirates passengers in all cabins have free wifi access

3. Flydubai

Flydubai will introduce Starlink inflight connectivity on 100 Boeing 737 aircraft from 2026, under an agreement confirmed during the 2025 Dubai Airshow. The high-speed service will allow passengers to stream live content, game and make voice or video calls, while giving crew access to real-time operational data and communication tools. The move builds on the low-cost carrier’s recent upgrades to its onboard product, including complimentary meals and inflight entertainment for Economy passengers on all flights.

4. Gulf Air

Bahraini airline Gulf Air is the latest regional carrier to sign with Starlink, with plans to begin installing the system across its fleet from mid-2026, starting with the A320. Passengers will be able to access complimentary high-speed internet from boarding through to landing, regardless of cabin class or ticket fare. The upgrade supports Gulf Air’s broader network growth, including its first-ever transatlantic route to New York, which launched in October 2025.

Saudia begins free high-speed WiFi rollout on flights

Qatar Airways now has the world’s fastest inflight WiFi

5. Saudia Airlines

Saudia Airlines launched its first fully internet-enabled flight with high-speed WiFi for all passengers on 1 November 2025, marking the start of a wider rollout. The pilot phase currently covers 20 aircraft, offering speeds of up to 300 Mbps across all travel classes. Future upgrades are expected to boost capacity to around 800 Mbps and support multiple devices per traveller as the system is extended fleet-wide.

6. Riyadh Air

Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, Riyadh Air, is set to introduce in-flight WiFi across its Airbus A321 fleet from Q4 2026 in partnership with Neo Space Group (NSG). Using NSG’s Skywaves system, the airline will provide high-speed connectivity of up to 300 Mbps, enabling streaming, browsing and messaging throughout the journey. The rollout aligns with Riyadh Air’s long-term goals to be the world’s first digitally native airline.

Signing of agreement between Riyadh Air and NSG

Other regional carriers

Beyond complimentary WiFi, several GCC airlines provide a mix of limited or paid connectivity services. Air Arabia and Oman Air offer tiered WiFi packages priced by duration, speed and type of internet access on select routes and aircraft.

Etihad offers complimentary messaging for Etihad Guest members on certain WiFi plans, while Kuwait Airways provides free basic chat messaging services for all passengers, with additional paid packages available for full browsing and streaming.

Smaller and low-cost carriers, including Oman’s SalamAir, Saudi’s Flyadeal and Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways, currently do not offer full in-flight WiFi, although connectivity upgrades are expected to be considered as regional standards and passenger expectations continue to rise.

For more information, visit emirates.com; flydubai.com; qatarairways.com; saudia.com; riyadhair.com