WiFi

Many travellers may not be aware of the risks they are taking while connecting to free airport Wi-Fi networks, experts have warned.

With the summer getaway season at its peak, countless holidaymakers are descending on airports and relying on the complimentary Wi-Fi offered in public areas. Yet many are unwittingly exposing themselves to severe danger before they’ve even stepped foot on their aircraft.

Whilst complimentary airport Wi-Fi may appear to be a handy method of killing time, specialists are cautioning it could leave users vulnerable to some of the most perilous cyber risks.

Many users link up to public networks without hesitation to browse emails, access banking apps, or secure eleventh-hour accommodation.

But according to the experts, that swift connection could pave the way for highly sensitive data to be pilfered, reports the Express.

Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, revealed: “One of the greatest risks of joining public Wi-Fi networks is the potential for identity theft.”

He emphasised that linking to unsecured airport networks can enable cybercriminals to harvest a vast array of personal details, from your whereabouts and journey records to financial data, including banking and credit card particulars, and even fundamental yet sensitive information like your name, contact details, and marital status.

And this isn’t the sole worry, as public Wi-Fi hotspots, frequently unencrypted, leave your internet activity entirely vulnerable.

“Many users are unaware that public Wi-Fi networks often do not encrypt the data you transmit,” Geoff observed.

This means that strangers on the same network can spy on your internet use, potentially capturing everything from your login details to private emails.

There’s also the risk of malware and phishing. Cybercriminals can push harmful software onto devices through fake download links or trick travellers into filling out fraudulent forms disguised as legitimate portals.

“If you use public Wi-Fi networks, hackers may also be able to infect your computer, mobile phone, or other connected devices with malicious software,” warned Geoff.

The Starlink constellation of satellites will provide internet to the Virgin fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the airline’s CEO Shai Weiss announced on Tuesday evening

Virgin Atlantic has pledged to provide free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi to all passengers on all of its planes by the end of 2027.

Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation of satellites will provide internet to the Virgin fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss announced on Tuesday evening.

According to Space Explored, Starlink for aviation is different from the typical ground-based product and uses a specially made antenna that can work at high speeds and remain reliable over long periods. A number of airlines have announced plans to use the service by the end of 2025, including United Airlines, SAS, and Air France.

Virgin Atlantic is aiming to be the first UK airline to offer the service, which will be unlimited for every passenger who signs up to the airline’s Flying Club loyalty scheme. The airline hopes to have it installed on its fleet of Airbus A330neos, A350s, and Boeing 787s by the end of 2027.

Some frequent flyers are bound to welcome the move, given the current high cost and unreliable nature of in-flight Wi-Fi. Others may feel that being disconnected from the internet for a few hours now and again is something to be cherished.

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CEO Shai Weiss said: “To fulfil the brief that we’ve set ourselves, which is to offer free, basically unlimited, streaming-quality connectivity on a plane, right now there’s only one solution: it is Starlink. We were the first airline to launch Wi-Fi fleet-wide across the Atlantic, and now we will be the first fleet to complete this transformation.”

The rollout of Starlink was not the only major announcement on Tuesday evening.

Virgin Atlantic also plans to invest £17 billion in a mixed fleet of 45 next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, including 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-1000s, and 14 B787-9s, with an average fleet age of just under seven years by 2028.

It will also increase the number of premium seats across its fleet due to high demand.

Premium economy seats will increase from 35 to 56, while business class will increase from 31 to 44. Economy seats, meanwhile, will decrease from 192 to 127.

“In the last four decades, we’ve evolved from a challenger to a leader and a premium, long-haul flag carrier. We exist to make our customers smile—it’s that simple—obsessing over finding new ways to delight our guests, delivered by our amazing people, on our journey to become the most loved travel company,” Shai said.

“We are investing billions to fly the youngest fleet across the Atlantic; the first UK airline to have free, streaming-quality, fleet-wide Wi-Fi; more premium cabins; and a full retrofit of the 787 fleet—alongside a new app featuring the world of Virgin Atlantic in your pocket, all delivered by our amazing teams. The best is yet to come.”