Qatar Airways has become the first global airline to offer live sports streaming through a dedicated web player, partnering with sports marketing agency IMG to bring high-definition coverage of major sporting events to passengers at cruising altitude.
The service, available exclusively on the airline’s Starlink-connected aircraft, allows passengers to stream Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels directly to their personal devices via a QR code system. This means travelers can watch everything from UEFA Champions League matches to Formula 1 races without missing the action while airborne.
“Our partnership with IMG marks another leap forward in redefining the inflight experience,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “As the first global airline to introduce Starlink’s high-speed connectivity combined with live sports streaming, we are proud to bring passengers closer to the sporting moments that matter most – wherever they are in the world.”
Starlink makes the difference
The key to making live sports streaming work at 35,000 feet is Qatar Airways’ Starlink internet connectivity, which the airline claims provides broadband speeds comparable to home internet. Qatar Airways is currently the only MENA region carrier and among the few globally offering this level of in-flight connectivity across both its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleets.
As of June 2025, the airline has completed over 12,000 Starlink-connected flights, with the entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet now equipped with the satellite internet system. This infrastructure investment is what enables the streaming quality needed for live sports content.
IMG President Adam Kelly noted the importance of live sports viewing: “Live sport is one of the last remaining appointment-to-view events that people prefer to watch in real time. As consumer viewing habits continue to evolve, passengers want more ways to enjoy live sport onboard so they never have to miss a moment of the action.”
Timing with major sporting events
The launch comes ahead of a busy sporting calendar, with coverage planned for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Wimbledon Championships, the British Open, Formula 1 races, and various cricket matches available through the summer months.
Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, produced at IMG’s London studios, attracted over 10 million passenger viewers last year across all airlines that carry the service. Qatar Airways is positioning this as making that content “more accessible than ever” through the personal device streaming approach.
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