Elon Musk Floats Idea of Buying Ryanair After Online Clash With CEO Michael O’Leary

Elon Musk has sparked fresh headlines after suggesting he could buy Ryanair, following a public online argument with the airline’s CEO Michael O’Leary.

What started the dispute

The clash began after O’Leary dismissed the idea of fitting Ryanair aircraft with Starlink in-flight internet, a service owned by Musk’s company SpaceX. O’Leary argued that installing Starlink antennas would create extra drag and raise fuel consumption, adding an estimated $200 million to $250 million in additional costs.

Musk pushed back strongly, calling O’Leary “misinformed” and later insulting him publicly on X.

Musk’s “buy Ryanair” post

After the exchange escalated, Musk posted a poll on X asking followers whether he should buy the airline. He also joked about putting someone named “Ryan” in charge.

The comments drew attention partly because Musk has previously turned social media-driven ideas into real business decisions, including his purchase of Twitter (now X).

Ryanair’s reaction

The feud continued as Ryanair and its leadership responded publicly. In one development, Reuters reported that O’Leary said Ryanair would welcome Musk as an investor, though he noted that EU rules prevent a non-European from owning a majority stake in an EU airline.

Why a takeover would be difficult

Even if Musk wanted to buy Ryanair, the deal would face major regulatory barriers. Under European ownership rules, EU airlines must remain majority controlled by EU or EFTA nationals, limiting what Musk could legally own.

Right now, the “buy Ryanair” talk looks more like an online escalation than a confirmed takeover plan. But the episode shows how quickly business disputes can turn public, especially when two outspoken executives clash in front of millions.