Elon Musk Challenges Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary with X Poll, Igniting Feud Over Airline Takeover and Starlink Internet Plans

US billionaire Elon Musk has stirred a major debate in Europe’s aviation sector after polling his followers on X about potentially buying Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline. The move has escalated his ongoing clash with the airline’s outspoken CEO, Michael O’Leary.

The poll, posted Monday, drew over 900,000 responses in hours. Ryanair did not comment on the survey. Musk’s question intensified an already heated dispute between two high-profile figures known for blunt remarks and public showdowns.

Musk, founder of Tesla and Starlink under SpaceX, has hinted for days at a possible acquisition of Ryanair. He also called for O’Leary to be removed as CEO, labeling him incompetent. The billionaire claimed Starlink could revolutionize in-flight internet, giving passengers fast connectivity in the air.

The clash began when O’Leary rejected Musk’s proposal to equip Ryanair planes with Starlink internet. Speaking on Irish radio, the CEO argued the technology would be costly and inefficient. He estimated the system could add $250 million a year in fuel costs due to antenna drag.

O’Leary added that most Ryanair passengers would not pay extra for internet. He also questioned Musk’s knowledge of aviation, mocking his suggestions and calling him unqualified to comment on flight operations. Musk fired back, branding O’Leary unfit to run the airline. Both men traded sharp insults online, making the feud highly public.

Even if Musk seriously pursued a purchase, EU rules would block him from full ownership. Ryanair must remain majority-owned by European nationals. The airline is valued at nearly €30 billion, one of Europe’s largest aviation assets.

Musk has a history of bold deals. In 2022, he bought Twitter for $44 billion, later renaming it X. While analysts view the Ryanair poll as mostly symbolic, the clash highlights growing competition over in-flight connectivity. It also shows how personal rivalries can spill into global business debates.

The public feud has already drawn worldwide attention. What started as a technical discussion on satellite internet has turned into a high-profile corporate showdown between two influential business leaders.