By Manas Sen Gupta

Published: Aug 22, 2026 11:11 AM ICT, 4 min read

• The crypto-based payments system is integrated with the official emirates.com website and the Emirates App.
• Residents of the UAE can avail of the facility for tickets priced in Emirati Dirham (AED) if they have a Crypto.com account.

Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, has begun accepting crypto payments for flight bookings with Crypto.com Pay system. Here’s what you need to know.

Businesses around the world are increasingly becoming more open to cryptocurrency payments. The latest to join the growing list is Emirates, which has launched Crypto.com Pay for customers to settle transactions with digital assets when booking flights on the airline’s official website or app.

With the launch of Crypto.com Pay, Emirates has become the first airline in the Gulf and one of the largest carriers to accept cryptocurrency for payments.

Customers will need a Crypto.com account to avail of the facility when booking flights in Emirati Dirham (AED) on emirates.com or the Emirates App. Cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and various stablecoins.

What is Emirates’ new crypto payment option?

Emirates is one of the world’s largest carriers. | Image credit: mike_van_den_bos via Unsplash

Emirates is based in Dubai. According to the company, Crypto.com’s Dubai-based entity will power the new payments system. The Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is the first of its kind to be granted a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence by the Central Bank of the UAE.

Cryptocurrencies are encrypted digital money that can function independently of banks and governments. However, Emirates’ crypto transactions will comply with the UAE’s regulatory standards.

In its statement, Emirates said the launch supports the Dubai government’s cashless strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda. Under the agenda, 90 per cent of all financial transactions across government and private sectors will be digital by the end of 2026.

When did Emirates initiate its crypto-acceptance plan?

The path to the Crypto.com Pay system for Emirates bookings began with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in July 2025 by Emirates and the cryptocurrency exchange. Thus, the launch has happened exactly a year from the signing of the MoU.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said that the launch of the system “reflects the rapidly evolving preferences of a younger, digitally fluent generation”.

“Moving from signature to launch with Crypto.com in a year is a credit to both teams, and to a regulatory environment that makes this kind of innovation possible, reflecting the UAE’s and Dubai’s ambition to lead in fintech and the digital economy,” he added.

Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer, Crypto.com, said that the collaboration is “a testament to the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to innovation”.

Who can use Crypto.com Pay for Emirates bookings?

According to Emirates, “eligible residents of the UAE” with a Crypto.com account can avail of the facility. This means tourists will not be able to book Emirates tickets through the same system using cryptocurrencies.

How to pay for Emirates flights with Crypto.com Pay?

The process of making cryptocurrency payments for Emirates transactions slightly differs depending on the mode of booking.

On emirates.com

• Select Crypto.com Pay at checkout.
• Open the Crypto.com app to scan the QR code on the payment page.
• Approve payment in the app.
• Booking is confirmed, and an e-ticket is issued once payment is confirmed.

On the Emirates App

• Select Crypto.com Pay during checkout.
• You’d be redirected to the Crypto.com app for payment approval from your wallet.
• Make the payment.
• You’d return to the Emirates App for a booking confirmation and e-ticket.

(Hero image: fab_joy/ Unsplashl;Featured image: Adam Khan/ Unsplash)

This article first appeared on Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia.

Note:

The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists use crypto to book Emirates flights?

What cryptocurrencies does Emirates accept?

Is Emirates the first airline to accept crypto in the Gulf?

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Written by

Manas Sen Gupta

Manas Sen Gupta writes at the intersection of tech, entertainment and history. His works have appeared in publications such as The Statesman, Myanmar Matters, Hindustan Times and News18/ETV. In his spare time, Manas loves studying interactive charts and topographic maps. When not doing either, he prefers reading detective fiction. Spring is his favourite season and he can happily eat a bowl of noodles any time of the day.