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A fiery public feud between two outspoken billionaires has taken the internet by storm, blending viral marketing with business drama. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has escalated his war of words with Elon Musk, calling the Tesla boss an “idiot” and launching a tongue-in-cheek “Big Idiot Seat Sale” that’s turning insults into airline profits.
The spat ignited last week when O’Leary dismissed the idea of installing Musk’s Starlink satellite Wi-Fi on Ryanair’s fleet. In an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk, O’Leary said Musk knows “zero” about flights and drag, adding, “I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk. He’s an idiot. Very wealthy, but he’s still an idiot.” He argued that Starlink antennas would add unnecessary weight, increasing fuel costs by £200-250 million annually, and passengers on short-haul flights wouldn’t pay extra for Wi-Fi.
Musk fired back on X (formerly Twitter), labeling O’Leary an “utter idiot” and an “imbecile.” He suggested firing O’Leary and even floated buying Ryanair to “put a Ryan in charge of Ryan Air.” A poll on X showed over 75% support for the idea, amplifying the buzz.
Ryanair didn’t back down. On January 20, 2026, the airline announced the “Big Idiot Seat Sale,” offering 100,000 one-way seats starting at €16.99 ($19.90) for travel between February and April. The promo ad featured a mock brawl between O’Leary and Musk, with the tagline: “Great idiot seat sale especially for Elon Musk and any other idiots on X. Buy now before Musk gets one!!!” Routes include flights from UK airports like Belfast, Birmingham, and London Stansted to sunny spots such as Barcelona, Malaga, and Cagliari.
O’Leary doubled down at a Dublin press conference on January 21, billed as a response to “Musk’s latest Twitshit.” He shrugged off the insults, saying, “If he wants to call me an idiot, he wouldn’t be the first, and he certainly won’t be the last.” He mocked Musk’s Starlink claims as “a stupid idiotic thing to say” and thanked him for the “wonderful boost in publicity,” reporting a 2-3% rise in bookings over the past five days.
Ryanair is launching a Great idiot seat sale especially for Elon Musk and any other idiots on X, Ryanair posted on X on Tuesday. Buy now before Musk gets one!!! CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elon-musk-ryanair-tweet-michael-oleary-idiot/
— WDEF News 12 (@wdefnews12) January 21, 2026
The High Controversy and Viral Marketing Angle
This exchange has drawn massive controversy, blending humor with pointed business jabs. Critics accuse Musk of bullying, while supporters praise his disruptive style. O’Leary’s retorts highlight tensions between low-cost carriers prioritizing efficiency and tech innovators pushing connectivity. Aviation experts note Starlink is gaining traction with airlines like Hawaiian and Lufthansa, but Ryanair’s model focuses on rock-bottom fares over amenities.
The “Great Idiot Sale” is a masterclass in viral marketing. Ryanair, known for cheeky campaigns (like charity calendars or mocking rivals), has turned the feud into gold. Social media exploded with memes, polls, and debates—some calling it “legendary,” others “petty.” It echoes past O’Leary stunts, like proposing standing seats or charging for toilets, which grab headlines and drive traffic.
Public reactions are split. Some hail O’Leary as a “boss” for standing up to Musk, while others side with Elon, viewing Ryanair as outdated for skipping Wi-Fi. One X user quipped, “Ryanair’s Big Idiot Sale: A Hilarious Spit at Elon Musk,” capturing the fun amid the fire.
(Responsive / Native Ad)
Absolutely legendary campaign by RyanAir this week. CEO of RyanAir says they won't install Starlink because of fuel drag. Elon says he's going to buy RyanAir. RyanAir CEO calls Musk an idiot; Musk fires back. RyanAir launches "big idiot" sale. Amazing.
— Alexa Kilroy (@AlexaKilroy) January 21, 2026
Broader Implications for Business and Aviation
Beyond the laughs, this highlights real industry shifts. In-flight Wi-Fi is becoming standard, with passengers expecting connectivity even on short hops. Musk’s Starlink promises low-latency service without ground towers, but O’Leary insists the costs outweigh benefits for Ryanair’s 90-minute average flights.
Musk’s takeover talk? Unrealistic. EU rules cap non-EU ownership at 49%, blocking full control. O’Leary welcomed investment but dismissed a buyout, saying Musk “knows even less about airline ownership rules than he does about aircraft aerodynamics.”
The feud boosts both brands. Ryanair’s stock ticked up slightly amid the buzz, while Musk keeps Starlink in headlines. Analysts predict more airlines will adopt satellite tech by 2027, pressuring holdouts like Ryanair.
As the dust settles, O’Leary plans to hand-deliver Musk a free ticket at X’s Dublin office—a final troll? The “Idiot Sale” ends soon, but the viral legacy endures.
When billionaire Elon Musk hurled insults at the CEO of Europe’s largest airline, Ryanair, he may not have been expecting the company to lean into the feud by launching a “big ‘idiot’ seat sale” with Musk’s face all over it. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/21/ryanair-elon-musk-airline-x-fight/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 21, 2026
This high-controversy clash mixes ego, innovation, and savvy PR—proving feuds can be funny and profitable.
