Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national airline, will offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on every flight starting in mid-2026. The rollout begins with Airbus A320-family aircraft, with plans to extend the service to the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet as soon as certification allows. This move positions Gulf Air among a growing number of carriers adopting Starlink to deliver high-speed internet access to passengers.
Enhanced Connectivity for Passengers
The Starlink service will be available “gate to gate,” enabling passengers to stream, game, work, and stay connected throughout their journey. The high-bandwidth, low-latency connection will provide capabilities previously unavailable in commercial aviation, rivaling on-ground broadband speeds. This upgrade applies to all passengers, regardless of cabin class or ticket type.
The CEO’s Influence
This decision aligns with the leadership of Gulf Air’s CEO, Martin Gauss, who previously spearheaded Starlink adoption at airBaltic. His appointment in early 2024 made the move to Starlink a natural progression, given his experience and the clear benefits of the technology.
Gulf Air’s Transformation
Gulf Air’s embrace of Starlink reflects a broader effort to revitalize the airline in a highly competitive Middle Eastern aviation market. The carrier has been undergoing significant changes, including the launch of new routes like New York (JFK) and expansion of its Boeing 787-9 fleet.
Historically, Gulf Air was once the dominant airline in the Gulf region, founded in 1974 as a joint venture between Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Oman. However, the emergence of Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Oman Air eroded its market share.
Gauss’s leadership is seen as critical to reshaping Gulf Air’s position in the industry. While change takes time, the airline is clearly signaling a commitment to modernization and passenger experience.
“With Starlink on board, Gulf Air is bringing next-generation in-flight connectivity to all passengers… This upgrades the entire travel experience and reinforces our commitment to delivering premium, seamless connectivity for every journey.” — Martin Gauss, CEO of Gulf Air
Gulf Air’s move to equip its entire fleet with free Starlink Wi-Fi is a strategic upgrade that enhances passenger experience and signals a broader transformation. The airline is actively competing for relevance in a crowded market, and the new connectivity offering is a significant step in that direction.
