Ryanair Mocks Elon Musk Over Claims He Wants to Buy the Airline

Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary has dismissed and mocked comments by billionaire Elon Musk, who suggested he might buy the European low-cost airline.

O’Leary made the remarks on January 21, 2026, following a public exchange between Ryanair and Musk that began over the airline’s decision not to install Starlink internet on its aircraft.

Ryanair Rejects Starlink Due to High Costs

O’Leary said Ryanair recently decided against installing Starlink internet, a service owned by Musk, because the equipment would increase fuel consumption.

According to him, the additional weight from Starlink antennas would cost the airline about $250 million per year in extra fuel expenses.

Speaking on an Irish radio station, O’Leary said he was not concerned by Musk’s comments and described the billionaire as a “clown.”

Musk Floats Idea of Buying Ryanair

After Ryanair rejected Starlink, Musk asked his followers on the social media platform X whether he should buy Ryanair, remove O’Leary as CEO, and replace him with someone named “Ryan.”

Musk later shared a poll showing that 76.5 percent of respondents supported the idea of him purchasing the airline.

Ryanair Responds With Satire

Ryanair responded with a statement announcing a special airline ticket offer aimed at what it called “super idiots” who use X, including Musk.

The airline said the tickets would be sold for just €16.99, a move widely seen as a direct jab at the tech billionaire.

O’Leary Says Musk Welcome to Invest, With Limits

O’Leary said that if Musk wanted to invest in Ryanair, it could be a positive move. However, he made it clear that Musk would not be allowed to hold a controlling stake because he is not a European citizen.

“If he wants to invest in Ryanair, we think that would be a very good investment,” O’Leary said.

“It is certainly a better investment than the money he is making on X.”

Publicity Benefits Ryanair

Known for his blunt and humorous style, O’Leary said Ryanair had actually benefited from the public exchange, as the controversy helped promote its low-cost tickets.

He added that the airline gained free publicity from what he described as playful sparring with Musk.