Dubai’s flydubai is bringing back inflight internet service, with plans to install the Starlink system fleet-wide. The deal, announced at the 2025 Dubai Air Show, covers the full 737 fleet for the carrier. It expects 100 aircraft to be installed in 2026.
This agreement marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the travel experience, providing fast, reliable internet access across our growing network. Reliable connectivity has become essential and our partnership with Starlink allows us to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. As we continue to expand our fleet and network, innovation remains at the heart of our strategy.
– Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai
flydubai was a relatively early adopter of inflight connectivity services, deploying Anuvu‘s (then Global Eagle) solution in 2016. The pair extended that partnership with a contract to fit the first tranche of the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet back in 2018. The airline had an order book for 175 MAXen at the time. In May 2024 flydubai confirmed it had turned off the service, likely in January of that year. Neither the carrier nor the provider shared an explanation for that move.
As with all Starlink implementations, the service will be complimentary for passengers.
The two companies did not mention the carrier’s upcoming order for 30 787 Dreamliners. Nor is the brand new MoU for 150(+100 options) A321neo aircraft mentioned. Presumably both of those fittings are Starlink’s to lose at this point.
This is the second major win for Starlink announced in Dubai. On Monday Emirates announced its own similar deal covering its full fleet.
More news from the 2025 Dubai Air Show
- Emirates Confirms Starlink Inflight Internet Upgrade
- Gogo Adds First Middle Eastern BBJ for Galileo FDX
- SkyFive, flynas (re)Commit to Inflight Internet
- flydubai Picks Starlink to Bring Back Inflight Internet
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