Emirates and Crypto.com Give Customers a New Way to Pay for Flights

Emirates has just rolled out a new digital payment option in partnership with Crypto.com Pay™, giving customers in the UAE the ability to pay for flights using cryptocurrency directly through the airline’s website and mobile app.

What’s New
- Crypto.com Pay™ integration: Available at checkout on emirates.com and the Emirates App.
- Eligibility: Currently limited to UAE residents, with transactions priced and settled in Emirati Dirham (AED).
- Security & compliance: Payments are processed under UAE regulatory standards, supported by Crypto.com’s Dubai entity, which holds a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE.

How It Works
- On mobile: Customers are redirected to the Crypto.com app to complete payment from their wallet, then back to the Emirates App for booking confirmation.
- On desktop: Customers scan a QR code at checkout, approve the payment in the Crypto.com app, and receive their e-ticket instantly.

Why It Matters
- Supports Dubai’s Cashless Strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda, aiming for 90% of all transactions to be digital by the end of 2026.
- Reflects Emirates’ push to meet the expectations of younger, digitally fluent travelers who prefer mobile-first financial solutions.
- Strengthens the UAE’s positioning as a leader in fintech and digital economy innovation.

Voices from the Partnership
- Adnan Kazim (Emirates): Highlighted the initiative as part of expanding customer choice and keeping pace with digital-first generations.
- Eric Anziani (Crypto.com): Called the partnership a milestone, praising the UAE’s forward-thinking regulatory environment.

This move not only diversifies payment options for Emirates customers but also signals how airlines are embracing fintech trends to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving travel market.