DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Emirates customers in the UAE can now pay for flights using cryptocurrency through a new partnership with Crypto.com, as the airline expands its digital payment options for travellers.
The Dubai-based carrier has launched Crypto.com Pay as a payment method for eligible customers booking flights through Emirates official website or the Emirates mobile app.
The option is currently available for bookings priced and processed in UAE dirhams, with payments completed through a customer’s Crypto.com account.
The launch follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Emirates and Crypto.com in July 2025 to explore ways of integrating digital payments into the airline’s systems.
How the new payment option works
Customers selecting Crypto.com Pay at checkout will be redirected to the Crypto.com platform to approve the transaction from their digital wallet.
For mobile bookings, users can confirm payment directly through the Crypto.com app before returning to the Emirates application to receive their booking confirmation and electronic ticket.
Customers booking through the Emirates website can complete payment by scanning a QR code displayed during checkout and approving the transaction through the Crypto.com app.
The airline said the system has been designed to operate within UAE regulatory requirements.
Part of Dubai’s digital payments push
Emirates said the initiative supports the UAE’s broader move toward cashless transactions and digital financial services.
The launch is linked to the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to increase digital payments across public and private sector transactions.
The airline has also been expanding flexible payment options in recent years, including instalment plans for selected international markets.
Emirates expands beyond traditional travel payments
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ deputy president and chief commercial officer, said the partnership reflects changing customer expectations around how travellers manage payments.
The airline said younger, digitally connected customers are increasingly seeking faster and more flexible payment solutions integrated into their everyday digital services.
Eric Anziani, president and chief operating officer of Crypto.com, said the partnership highlights growing adoption of digital payment technologies in the UAE.
Wider UAE crypto and fintech growth
The move comes as Dubai continues positioning itself as a regional hub for financial technology and digital innovation.
The UAE has introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting blockchain adoption, digital assets and regulated financial technology services, while authorities continue developing frameworks for the sector.
For Emirates, the cryptocurrency payment option represents another step in expanding its loyalty, payment and travel ecosystem beyond traditional airline services.
The airline said it will continue exploring digital solutions designed to provide customers with more choice throughout the travel journey.
