KLM chooses Starlink for free Wi-Fi on long-haul flights
The airline plans to offer fast internet on intercontinental flights in all cabin classes from mid-2027.
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KLM will use Starlink for free high-speed Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights. The service will be rolled out gradually from mid-2027 and will be available to passengers with a Flying Blue account.
KLM announced the decision on Thursday. The airline says passengers on long-haul flights will soon be able to browse the internet, send emails, listen to music, play games and stream films or series. The service will not be introduced on all aircraft at the same time; KLM says the rollout will be phased.
The service is to be made available in all cabin classes. Passengers do not yet need to be Flying Blue members: they can sign up before departure or during the flight. KLM says the free connection will be offered on aircraft fitted with Starlink equipment.
Starlink provides internet via satellites in low Earth orbit. KLM describes the connection as fast and low-latency, but has not published any specific minimum or maximum speeds. It is also not yet known which intercontinental routes will receive the equipment first.
The announcement follows the introduction of free Wi-Fi on a large part of the European fleet. KLM says that service has been available since the beginning of 2026. The satellite connection for intercontinental flights should reduce the limitations of traditional connections over oceans, but performance may still depend on equipment, coverage and capacity.
For KLM, the choice is also a way to improve its digital services on board. Internet is not only an added convenience for travellers, but can also be a competitive factor when choosing between airlines. Air France, KLM’s sister company, chose Starlink earlier, according to Tweakers.
The agreement also raises questions about dependence on a single satellite provider. KLM has not disclosed how much the company will pay for the service. Nor has it explained what data will be processed during use or what conditions will apply to the connection.
The announced Wi-Fi does not mean that travellers will be able to remain online without limits during the flight. The equipment must first be installed and tested on each aircraft. In addition, the free service will remain linked to a Flying Blue account. KLM promises that streaming will be possible; independent measurements of the eventual speed are not yet available.
In the short term, nothing will change for travellers on intercontinental flights. The first connections are not expected until mid-2027, and KLM has not yet published a route plan or installation schedule.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The factual description follows KLM’s announcement and Tweakers’ independent summary. Unpublished details about speed, costs and routes are identified as unknown.
- confirmed KLM plans to offer free Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights from mid-2027. — KLM mentions mid-2027 and a phased rollout. source
- confirmed KLM has chosen Starlink as its provider. — This is stated in the official press release. source
- confirmed The service is to be available in all cabin classes. — KLM mentions all cabin classes in the announcement. source
- confirmed Passengers need a Flying Blue account. — KLM says travellers can create an account during or before the flight. source
- confirmed KLM has not yet announced specific speeds or a route plan. — Tweakers reports that speeds and the first routes are not yet known. source
Editor's note
The choice of Starlink, the timetable and the account requirement were reported by KLM. Speeds, route planning, costs and privacy conditions have not yet been made public.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „klm starlink”
- De Telegraaf — „klm starlink”
- de Volkskrant — „klm starlink”