A passenger glances at his phone while boarding a KLM flight.A passenger glances at his phone while boarding a KLM flight. Picture: Supplied

Starting in mid-2027, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer its passengers free high-speed Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights.

The new service will be available in all cabin classes and will be rolled out in phases.

Following the introduction of free high-speed Wi-Fi on European flights, KLM is extending Wi-Fi to its intercontinental network. During their flight, passengers will be able to enjoy fast and unlimited internet access in order to send emails, browse the internet, listen to music, play games, or stream films and series.

Staying connected at 35,000 feet

Commenting on the announcement, KLM CEO Marjan Rintel said:

“We are making a long-standing wish of our passengers a reality: fast, free Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights starting in mid-2027. This will allow passengers to stay connected even high above the ocean. The introduction of free Wi-Fi is part of KLM’s continued efforts to provide its passengers with a comfortable, digitally connected travel experience,” said Marjan.

Starlink to power KLM’s free in-flight wi-fi

KLM has chosen Starlink to deliver ultra-fast Wi-Fi on intercontinental flights.

Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet from a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, with coverage over oceans and remote routes as well as land. It delivers fast, reliable broadband that can support email, browse the internet, listen to music, play games, or stream movies and TV series. From the moment passengers and crew step aboard, Starlink keeps them connected throughout the flight, anywhere in the world.

Free Wi-Fi service will be available to Flying Blue members. Passengers can log in with their Flying Blue account to get online. Passengers who are not yet Flying Blue members can sign up before their flight or during the flight via the onboard portal. Once registered, they can use the free Wi-Fi service on equipped aircraft.

Since the beginning of this year, KLM has also been offering free, fast and unlimited Wi-Fi on most of its European fleet. This made KLM one of the first European airlines to offer free internet access to passengers traveling within Europe.

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By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle & Entertainment News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.