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Emirates Airline Now Accepts Bitcoin and Crypto Payments

Created at 28 Jul · 8:16 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Dubai-based Emirates Airline has begun accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for flight bookings through a partnership with Crypto.com. The option is currently available to eligible UAE residents for bookings priced in Emirati Dirhams.

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Key Numbers

90%Dubai's target for digital transactions

Who's Involved

Emirates Airline
Dubai-based airline accepting crypto payments
Crypto.com
Crypto exchange facilitating payments for Emirates
Adnan Kazim
Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer
Central Bank of the UAE
Regulator that licensed Crypto.com's entity

↳ Why This Matters

The adoption of cryptocurrency payments by a major international airline like Emirates signifies growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets for everyday transactions and supports Dubai's ambition to become a leading digital economy.

Key facts

  • Emirates Airline now allows customers to pay for flights using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
  • The integration is a partnership with the crypto exchange Crypto.com.
  • Bookings can be made via emirates.com or the Emirates App using Crypto.com Pay.
  • The service is initially restricted to eligible UAE residents and payments in Emirati Dirhams.
  • The initiative supports Dubai's goal of digitizing 90% of transactions by the end of 2026.

Dubai-based Emirates Airline has introduced the ability for customers to pay for flights using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This new payment option is available through a collaboration with Crypto.com, allowing users to select Crypto.com Pay at checkout when booking on the airline's website or app.

Initially, the service is limited to eligible UAE residents whose bookings are priced and settled in Emirati Dirhams. The integration is managed through Crypto.com's Dubai-licensed entity, which holds a Stored Value Facilities license from the Central Bank of the UAE. Emirates had previously hinted at Bitcoin payment capabilities in 2022.

This move aligns with Dubai's broader strategy to enhance digital transactions, as part of the D33 Economic Agenda, which aims for 90% of transactions across government and private sectors to be digital by the end of 2026. The airline's Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, stated that the feature caters to the preferences of younger, digitally savvy travelers.

Frequently asked questions

Customers can use any digital assets supported by Crypto.com's payment feature.

Currently, the option is limited to eligible UAE residents making bookings priced and settled in Emirati Dirhams.

Emirates announced the move on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

What Happens Next

01Expansion of crypto payment options to a wider customer base.
02Further integration of digital payment solutions across Dubai's sectors.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Emirates Airline announced it now accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for flight bookings.
The airline is partnering with Crypto.com for this payment integration.
Customers can select Crypto.com Pay at checkout on emirates.com or the Emirates App.
The feature is currently limited to eligible UAE residents booking flights priced in Emirati Dirhams.
This move aligns with Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda to increase digital transactions.

Sources

T1
Dubai-Based Emirates Airline Adds Bitcoin and Crypto PaymentsBitcoin Magazine

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