On January 19, 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk reignited his public spat with Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary by joking on X that he would buy the ultra-low-cost carrier and “put a Ryan in charge of Ryan Air,” after O’Leary dismissed Musk’s Starlink in-flight internet proposal as an unnecessary $250 million annual expense. Within hours of Musk’s post—following his earlier label of O’Leary as an “utter idiot”—Ryanair’s shares rallied 4.45%, underscoring the billionaire’s capacity to move markets with off-the-cuff remarks. Musk’s $640 billion net worth dwarfs Ryanair’s $35.8 billion market capitalization, highlighting both the scale of his jest and the potential strategic leverage he wields if he ever backs a takeover bid.

While the Ryanair episode does not directly involve Tesla operations, it underscores key themes for TSLA investors: Musk’s penchant for guerrilla publicity, the ongoing push to integrate Starlink into mass-market services, and the attendant reputational risks. Rapid share movements in unrelated companies serve as reminders that Musk’s social-media engagement can generate both upside surprises and heightened volatility in Tesla’s stock. With Starlink still in early deployment on private jets and maritime vessels, shareholders will watch closely for any shift in aviation partnerships. A formal pursuit of Ryanair—or a concession from European airlines on Starlink installations—could open a new revenue stream beyond automotive and energy products, potentially bolstering long-term Tesla enterprise value.