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Emirates has integrated Crypto.com Pay as a checkout option for customers booking flights on emirates.com and the Emirates App, the carrier said in a joint announcement with the payments provider. The feature is available immediately to eligible UAE residents for transactions priced and settled in dirham, with payments processed in compliance with local regulatory standards. On mobile devices users are redirected to the Crypto.com App to approve the payment from their wallet before returning to complete the Emirates booking while desktop users scan a displayed QR code with the app to confirm the transaction. The integration marks the first time a major Gulf airline has enabled direct cryptocurrency wallet payments for flight tickets according to industry reports.
The launch follows a memorandum of understanding the two parties signed in July 2025 to explore embedding Crypto.com Pay into Emirates payment systems while upholding security requirements. In the intervening year the teams developed the technical connection that allows seamless wallet-to-ticket transfers without exposing sensitive financial data. Crypto.com operates the service through its Dubai entity which holds a stored value facility licence from the Central Bank of the UAE the first such licence granted to a virtual asset service provider in the country.
Adnan Kazim Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said in the announcement Bringing this initiative to life delivers on our commitment to expanding customer choice in how they pay for travel. It also reflects the rapidly evolving preferences of a younger digitally fluent generation who manage their money and plan their journeys primarily from their phones and they expect the airlines they fly with to keep pace. Kazim added that moving from signature to launch within a year reflects both the collaboration between the teams and the supportive regulatory environment in the UAE and Dubai.
Eric Anziani President and Chief Operating Officer at Crypto.com stated in the same release Partnering with Emirates is a milestone for Crypto.com and our Pay feature which is renowned for its ease of use and seamless integration. This collaboration is a testament to the UAE’s forward thinking approach to innovation and we’re proud to support Emirates as it embraces the digital payments space. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Cashless Strategy under the D33 Economic Agenda which targets 90 per cent digital transactions by the end of 2026 according to Dubai government planning documents.
Crypto.com which was founded in 2016 has built a reputation for compliance security and privacy across its services while pursuing a vision of cryptocurrency in every wallet the company said. Emirates established in 1985 now operates one of the world’s largest wide-body fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s serving a global network and is recognised for its inflight entertainment cuisine and service standards the airline noted. The partnership builds on earlier agreements both organisations signed separately with Dubai Finance to advance digital payment adoption across government and commercial services.
The new payment method forms part of broader efforts by UAE authorities to position the country as a global fintech leader Central Bank of the UAE licensing records show. Eligible customers must hold an approved Crypto.com account and the transactions remain confined to AED bookings originating in the UAE the joint statement emphasised. Further promotional campaigns to raise awareness of the option are expected as the two sides continue exploring additional collaboration areas outlined in their 2025 memorandum.
