In-flight internet market seen reaching $2.51 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the in-flight internet market is on track to grow from $1.78 billion in 2026 to $2.51 billion by 2030 as airlines invest in faster, more reliable onboard connectivity. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth.

Why it matters: - Airlines are treating onboard connectivity as a core passenger service, not a premium extra. - Demand for in-flight internet is rising as travelers want to work, communicate and stream during flights. - The market’s projected growth signals more investment in satellite, air-to-ground and hybrid connectivity systems.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its In-Flight Internet Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035 on Oct. 20, 2026. - The report puts the market at $1.63 billion in 2025 and $1.78 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $2.51 billion by 2030. - The report shows a 9.4% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2026. - The report projects a 9.0% compound annual growth rate through 2030.

The details: - In-flight internet connects aircraft to ground or satellite networks to provide online access in the air. - The system supports real-time data transmission between planes and external networks. - Growth is being driven by broader adoption of satellite-based aircraft communication technologies. - Airlines are increasing investment in connectivity infrastructure. - Wireless networking equipment aboard planes is also supporting expansion. - The report identifies widespread integration of 5G air-to-ground networks as a future growth driver. - Multi-orbit satellite systems are expected to expand coverage and capacity. - Higher onboard data bandwidth needs are pushing demand for upgraded systems. - Hybrid connectivity architectures are being used to support uninterrupted global internet coverage for aircraft. - Passenger demand for reliable internet access during flights continues to climb. - Air traffic volume is increasing as tourism and business travel grow with stronger economies and higher disposable incomes. - In August 2024, the US Department of Transportation reported 647,205 flights, up 2.61% from 630,761 flights in August 2023. - North America held the largest regional market share in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth during the forecast period. - The report also covers South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The 2026 edition adds market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrices, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, hotspot infographics and future trend analysis. - More information is available in the full report and a free sample.

Between the lines: - The market forecast suggests in-flight connectivity is becoming more standardized across airlines rather than limited to long-haul premium service. - The shift toward multi-orbit and hybrid networks points to an industry trying to solve coverage gaps, latency and reliability at the same time. - North America’s lead and Asia-Pacific’s growth outlook suggest the market is following both installed infrastructure and rising passenger demand.

What's next: - Airlines and connectivity providers are likely to keep investing in higher-capacity onboard systems. - The next competitive phase appears centered on bandwidth, coverage consistency and network resilience. - The report’s forecast implies continued demand for satellite and air-to-ground partnerships through 2030.

The bottom line: - In-flight internet is moving from a nice-to-have amenity to a major aviation infrastructure category, with steady growth expected through the end of the decade.