Musk teases buying Ryanair as social media users weigh in after his witty exchange with CEO O’Leary.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has sparked global attention by hinting at a potential Ryanair acquisition, following a public exchange with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. The spat reignited after technical issues hit X (formerly Twitter), when Ryanair’s official account jokingly suggested Musk might need Wi-Fi.
Musk, known for his witty social media posts, responded by asking his followers how much it would cost to buy Ryanair and started a poll that drew millions of votes, with over 80% supporting Musk’s move. He further joked about appointing a CEO named “Ryan,” calling it “fate.”
The feud between Musk and O’Leary is not new. In late 2025, Ryanair explored installing in-flight Wi-Fi via Starlink, which O’Leary criticized as expensive and impractical. Musk retaliated, calling O’Leary “extremely rich but foolish” and questioning his understanding of aviation and aerodynamics.
Ryanair, Ireland’s low-cost airline, has become the center of social media attention, with Musk’s playful takeover hints trending worldwide. The saga underscores growing interest in airline acquisitions, tech-driven aviation solutions, and the influence of social media in shaping public discourse.
