Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Saudia Launch High-speed Internet Connectivity in Flights

Manama: Middle East airlines are bringing high-speed Wi-Fi to the skies, allowing passengers to check emails, make video calls, stream, and even game mid-flight. Staying connected in the air is no longer a luxury—it’s quickly becoming part of the standard travel experience.

Airlines Leading the Way

Saudia Airlines has rolled out its first fully internet-enabled flights, offering speeds of up to 300 Mbps, with plans to reach 800 Mbps in the near future. Nearly 20 aircraft are already equipped, giving passengers a major upgrade in their inflight experience.

Emirates has partnered with Starlink to provide free ultra-fast Wi-Fi across 232 wide-body aircraft, with full installation expected by mid-2027. The service promises “ground-quality” internet at 40,000 feet, allowing passengers to stream and even game online.

Flydubai is also introducing Starlink Wi-Fi across its Boeing 737 fleet, starting with 100 aircraft in 2026. Qatar Airways has joined the trend as well, offering a combination of free and paid Wi-Fi options. Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas is bringing inflight internet to its fleet using the SkyFive air-to-ground service, which is now active across Saudi Arabia.

Is the Wi-Fi Free?

Currently, Emirates, Flydubai, and Saudia provide Wi-Fi for free. Qatar Airways offers limited free access alongside paid options, while other airlines’ pricing is still to be confirmed.

How Inflight Wi-Fi Works

Inflight internet operates through two main systems: air-to-ground (ATG) and satellite connectivity. ATG uses antennas under the aircraft to connect to cell towers on land, which works well over countries but is limited over oceans. Satellite Wi-Fi uses antennas on top of the plane to communicate with orbiting satellites, which relay the signal to ground stations. This system ensures steady internet even over oceans and remote areas.

The next time you board a flight in the Middle East, you can stay fully connected to the world throughout your journey. With high-speed inflight Wi-Fi becoming more widespread, checking emails, video calling, streaming, and even online gaming are all possible while cruising at 40,000 feet.