Starlink expands presence in Switzerland through airline service and contested ground station

SWISS is introducing high-speed internet powered by Starlink to its fleet, beginning with an Airbus A320neo. The service, branded as ‘Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink’, aims to provide reliable connectivity from gate to gate. The rollout will be gradual, with the goal of equipping the entire SWISS fleet by the end of 2029. The service will be free for Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all travel classes.

Simultaneously, SpaceX’s plans to build a large Starlink ground station in Leuk, Valais, are facing significant political opposition in Switzerland. The project involves constructing 40 large antennas to serve as an interface between traditional internet and the Starlink satellite network. A broad political alliance, spanning from the SP to the SVP, has raised concerns regarding security risks and the potential impact on Swiss neutrality, noting that Starlink is used for military purposes by the United States. While the municipality of Leuk has granted building permission, local residents have filed complaints with the Valais State Council.