Elon Musk vs Ryanair: The Feud Explained and Buyout Possibilities
The ongoing public spat between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has escalated dramatically, with Musk suggesting he might purchase the budget airline. This clash has captivated social media and the aviation industry, raising questions about its origins and feasibility.
What Sparked the Conflict?
The dispute appears to have originated from Ryanair's decision not to equip its jets with Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. In an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk on 16 January 2026, O'Leary explained his reasoning. He stated that passengers on short-haul flights would likely be unwilling to pay for the service, and implementing it would cost the company approximately €200-250 million annually. Additionally, the required aerials could increase fuel consumption by 1-2%, affecting aircraft aerodynamics. O'Leary dismissed Musk's ideas, labelling him an "idiot" and criticising his understanding of airline operations.
The Escalation on Social Media
Ryanair's X account, known for its witty and provocative posts, quickly seized the opportunity to mock Musk over the wifi issue. In response, Musk fired back with insults, calling O'Leary an "utter idiot" and a "chimp," and even suggesting he should be sacked. Musk then polled his 232 million followers on X, asking if he should buy Ryanair and "restore Ryan as their rightful ruler." The poll showed 76.5% in favour, though it was widely interpreted as a provocative gesture rather than a serious intent.
Ryanair's Marketing Move
Capitalising on the free publicity, Ryanair launched a "big idiot seat sale," offering 100,000 one-way tickets for £16.99 for flights from January to April 2026. The promotion features AI-generated images of O'Leary and Musk, and both the airline's website and X page have been updated to highlight the sale. O'Leary has embraced the feud, joking in a news conference that he agrees with Musk's insults, as his teenage children often call him similar names.
Could Musk Actually Buy Ryanair?
While Musk's social media posts have sparked speculation, significant legal barriers exist. Ryanair is listed on the Euronext index in Dublin with a market capitalisation of around €30.4 billion. Under EU regulations, airlines based in the EU must be majority-owned by citizens of EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. As a non-European, Musk cannot acquire majority ownership, though O'Leary has noted that Musk is welcome to invest in shares as a minority stakeholder. This legal framework makes a full buyout highly improbable, despite Musk's history of surprising acquisitions, such as his takeover of X.
The Broader Implications
This feud highlights the intersection of technology, aviation, and public relations. O'Leary has leveraged the conflict to boost Ryanair's visibility and sales, demonstrating his savvy as a PR operator. Meanwhile, Musk's involvement continues to draw attention to his ventures like Starlink. The spat serves as a reminder of how high-profile executives can use social media to engage in public disputes, often with commercial benefits.
