In-Flight Internet Market Global Report 2026

The in-flight internet market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.63 billion in 2025 to $1.78 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to growing passenger demand for onboard internet connectivity, increasing deployment of satellite-based aircraft communication systems, rising airline investment in connectivity infrastructure, expanding adoption of wireless aircraft networking equipment, and increasing demand for real-time airborne data transmission.

The in-flight internet market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.51 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to rising adoption of 5G air-to-ground connectivity, increasing deployment of multi-orbit satellite systems, growing demand for higher onboard data capacity, expanding integration of hybrid connectivity architectures, and increasing demand for seamless global aircraft internet coverage. Major trends during the forecast period include increasing adoption of high-speed in-flight internet connectivity, growing deployment of multi-orbit satellite connectivity systems, rising adoption of 5G air-to-ground connectivity, increasing integration of hybrid air-to-ground and satellite systems, and growing demand for continuous and reliable aircraft internet connectivity.

The increasing air traffic volume is expected to drive the growth of the in-flight internet market going forward. Air traffic volume refers to the total number of flights, passengers, or cargo movements handled by the aviation system over a specific period, reflecting the overall level of air transportation activity. Air traffic volume is increasing due to growing global tourism and business travel, as rising disposable incomes and economic development enable more individuals and organizations to use air transportation for domestic and international journeys. The increase in air traffic volume supports the growth of in-flight Internet services by generating greater demand for dependable onboard connectivity, as more air travelers expect seamless internet access for communication, entertainment, and work during flights. For instance, in October 2024, according to the Department of Transportation, a US-based government department, 647,205 flights were operated in August 2024, representing a 2.61% increase from 630,761 flights in August 2023. Therefore, the increasing air traffic volume is driving the growth of the in-flight internet market.

Major companies operating in the in-flight internet market are focusing on expanding high-speed onboard connectivity services to enhance passenger experience, enable seamless streaming, and strengthen digital travel capabilities. High-speed onboard connectivity provides passengers and crew with fast and reliable internet access during flights through satellite or air-to-ground networks, enabling uninterrupted communication, streaming, and online activities. For instance, in August 2025, All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Japan-based airline, launched complimentary high-speed in-flight internet services for passengers across all classes on select international routes using Viasat’s next-generation connectivity platform. The service enables video streaming and ground-like internet performance from boarding through landing, with ANA planning to expand the offering to additional aircraft and equip more than 80% of its international fleet with free high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2030.

In July 2025, SES S.A., a Luxembourg-based satellite communications company, acquired Intelsat Holdings S.à r.l. for $3.1 billion (€2.8 billion). Through this acquisition, SES S.A. aimed to strengthen its global multi-orbit connectivity capabilities, expand its satellite network portfolio, and enhance its ability to deliver integrated connectivity solutions across government, aviation, maritime, and enterprise sectors. Intelsat Holdings S.à r.l. is a Luxembourg-based satellite communications company that provides in-flight internet connectivity and other satellite-enabled network services for commercial airlines, governments, and enterprises.

Major companies operating in the in-flight internet market are Airbus SE, Honeywell International Inc, Safran SA, Thales SA, SES SA, Viasat Inc, Eutelsat Group SA, Kontron AG, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc, Anuvu Operations LLC, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, Gogo Inc, Astronics Corporation, Kymeta Corporation, EchoStar Corporation, ThinKom Solutions Inc, Intellian Technologies Inc, Get SAT Ltd, SkyFive AG, Moment SAS, Space Exploration Technologies Corp, RTX Corporation, SITA NV.

North America was the dominating region in the in-flight internet market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the rapidly growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the in-flight internet market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the in-flight internet market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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