Ryanair Boosts Sales After Musk Feud, Launches 'Big Idiot' Seat Sale

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline gained over 3 million website hits and sold 100,000 seats at €16.99 following a public exchange with Elon Musk on X, calling it a “wonderful boost in publicity.” The clash began when Musk mocked O’Leary as an “idiot” and a “retarded twat” after Ryanair rejected installing Starlink satellite internet due to high costs and fuel drag. O’Leary stated that equipping the fleet with Starlink would cost €200–250 million annually, including installation and a 1–2% increase in fuel consumption from two fuselage-mounted antennas. With fuel expenses already at €5–5.1 billion, he warned the added drag would raise costs by €100–200 million. He dismissed Musk’s claim that aerodynamic impact is negligible, noting airlines optimize every millimeter for efficiency. Despite rejecting the system, O’Leary offered a conditional deal: if Starlink covers fuel penalties, Ryanair would install it. He also invited Musk to visit Ryanair’s Dublin office to receive a free ticket as thanks for the publicity. The airline remains open to investment from non-European citizens, though EU rules prohibit majority ownership by foreign entities.