Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, is preparing to bring a major connectivity upgrade to the skies after confirming a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink.
The first Starlink-equipped Gulf Air jets are expected to enter service by mid-2026. The service will debut on Gulf Air’s Airbus A320 fleet, with installations beginning mid-year following regulatory approvals. From there, the airline plans to expand the technology across its entire fleet, covering roughly 40 aircraft.
The phased rollout is due to certification requirements that vary by aircraft type, a factor that has influenced deployment timelines across the aviation industry.
Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Martin Gauss highlighted the passenger-focused benefits of the partnership.
“With Starlink on board, Gulf Air is bringing next-generation in-flight connectivity to all passengers, whether traveling for leisure or business. From boarding until arrival, customers can stream, game, work, or stay in touch with loved ones, regardless of cabin or ticket type. This upgrades the entire travel experience and reinforces our commitment to delivering premium, seamless connectivity for every journey.”
Gulf Air’s decision places it alongside a growing list of Middle Eastern carriers embracing Starlink to modernize in-flight connectivity. Qatar Airways and Emirates have already signed on to SpaceX’s satellite internet service, as part of a broader industry shift toward low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity as a competitive differentiator.
