Inflight entertainment and connectivity market seen topping $10.8 billion by 2030

The inflight entertainment and connectivity market is projected to rise from $7.26 billion in 2025 to $10.81 billion by 2030, driven by passenger demand for better onboard experiences and faster internet. North America led the market in 2025 as airlines expand wireless streaming, smart cabin tools and satellite-based connectivity.

Why it matters: - Airlines are under pressure to improve the onboard experience as travelers expect entertainment, messaging and internet access in flight. - The market’s growth signals continued spending on cabin connectivity, wireless streaming and smart cabin technology. - Passenger traffic growth is expanding the addressable base for inflight entertainment and connectivity providers.

What happened: - The inflight entertainment and connectivity space market is projected to reach $10.81 billion by 2030. - The market is forecast to grow from $7.26 billion in 2025 to $7.87 billion in 2026. - The 2026-2030 forecast implies an 8.3% compound annual growth rate. - North America was the largest regional market in 2025. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The Business Research Company published the market outlook in London on June 11, 2026. - More information is available in the free sample report and the full report.

The details: - Growth is being driven by rising passenger expectations, more premium and long-haul flights, improvements in onboard audio and video technology and early adoption of inflight internet services. - Airlines are increasing investment in cabin entertainment systems. - Future growth is expected to come from wireless streaming, smart cabin technologies and stronger satellite internet integration. - Personalized and interactive entertainment content, onboard gaming and e-library platforms are also expected to support demand. - The market is expected to benefit from growing demand for seamless connectivity and real-time communication during flights. - Future trends highlighted in the report include 5G and next-generation networks, expanded wireless streaming devices onboard, better interactive gaming and content delivery, more aftermarket IFEC upgrades and wider use of smart cabin technologies. - Inflight entertainment and connectivity, or IFEC, covers technologies and services that provide passengers with entertainment and internet access during a flight.

Between the lines: - The report points to a shift from basic seatback entertainment toward connected cabin ecosystems that combine streaming, communication and personalization. - Satellite and wireless upgrades suggest airlines are treating connectivity as a competitive feature, not just a passenger perk. - The rise in global passenger traffic supports the case for ongoing hardware and software spending across airline fleets. - Airports Council International reported global passenger traffic reached 8.7 billion in 2023, up 30.6% from 2022.

What’s next: - Airlines are likely to keep adding wireless streaming and connected-cabin features as passenger demand rises. - The report expects more aftermarket IFEC upgrades as carriers modernize older fleets. - Adoption of next-generation networks and smart cabin systems is expected to accelerate through 2030. - Additional market intelligence products and updated forecasts are part of The Business Research Company’s 2026 report package.