Full Breakdown
Elon Musk and Michael O’Leary Engage in Public Feud Over Starlink
1/25/2026, 11:55:53 PM
Background of the Dispute
The public feud between Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, and Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, began when Ryanair announced it would not install Starlink satellite internet on its aircraft. O’Leary cited concerns over increased fuel costs due to the drag created by the Starlink antennas, estimating an annual cost of approximately $250 million. This decision prompted Musk to label O’Leary as “misinformed” and an “utter idiot” on his social media platform X.
Escalation of Insults
The exchange escalated when O’Leary dismissed Musk's comments during a radio interview, calling him an “idiot” and stating, “I don’t need to go outside to be insulted.” Musk retaliated by suggesting he might buy Ryanair and posted a poll asking his followers if he should take over the airline. The poll garnered significant support, with over three-quarters of respondents voting in favor. However, O’Leary pointed out that EU regulations prevent non-European citizens from owning a majority stake in European airlines, making Musk's proposal unrealistic.
Ryanair's Marketing Strategy
In response to the feud, Ryanair launched a “Great Idiots” seat sale, offering 100,000 tickets at a discounted price of €16.99. O’Leary acknowledged that the public spat had positively impacted ticket sales, noting a 2-3% increase in bookings since the exchange began. He remarked, “If it helps to boost Ryanair sales, you could insult me all day, every day.”
Financial Implications and Future Considerations
O’Leary explained that while Ryanair appreciates the Starlink technology, the financial implications of installing it are prohibitive. He indicated that the airline is exploring other options for onboard connectivity, including Amazon’s upcoming Kuiper satellite network, but only if they can secure a cost-effective deal. He also expressed openness to Musk investing in Ryanair, stating, “We would think it’s a very good investment.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Musk's approach have pointed out that his public insults and attempts to provoke O’Leary may detract from his business credibility. O’Leary himself has suggested that Musk’s knowledge of aviation is limited, stating, “What Elon Musk knows about flights and drag would be zero.” This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism regarding Musk's understanding of the airline industry.
Official Statements & Responses
O’Leary has maintained a light-hearted tone throughout the feud, emphasizing that he is unfazed by Musk's comments. He stated, “As anybody with teenage children would know, you’re frequently called an idiot and a twat at home.” He also reiterated that Ryanair has been in discussions with Starlink for about a year but ultimately found the costs unmanageable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We love these PR spats that drive bookings on Ryanair,” — Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair
- “I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk, he’s an idiot.” — Michael O’Leary
- “Should I buy Ryan Air and put someone whose actual name is Ryan in charge?” — Elon Musk
- “If he wants to call me an idiot, he wouldn’t be the first, and he certainly won’t be the last … But if it helps to boost Ryanair sales, you could insult me all day, every day,” — Michael O’Leary
- “The Starlink people believe that nine per cent of our passengers would happily pay for Wi-Fi access.” — Michael O’Leary
This ongoing exchange highlights the intersection of business and public persona, with both figures leveraging the controversy for publicity and potential financial gain.
