In a revolutionary step for the global aviation industry, Emirates, the flagship carrier of the UAE, has announced that it will soon begin accepting Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies as payment for flight bookings and in-flight services.
The announcement follows a strategic partnership with Crypto.com, aiming to integrate crypto payment gateways into the airline’s booking and customer experience systems by early 2026. The move is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to embrace digital innovation and cater to a new generation of tech-savvy travelers.
Passengers will soon be able to use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) to purchase tickets, upgrades, and even duty-free items on board. Payments will be processed via Crypto.com Pay, with real-time conversion to UAE Dirhams, ensuring smooth transactions without exposing Emirates to market volatility.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said,
“We are excited to lead the aviation industry in embracing digital currencies. This is not just a payment upgrade—it’s a future-focused customer experience enhancement.”
This initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal of becoming a global hub for blockchain and crypto innovation, supported by regulatory frameworks from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), home to hundreds of blockchain startups.
With this bold move, Emirates sets a new precedent in the travel industry, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in integrating advanced technologies into daily life. Industry experts believe this could soon prompt other global carriers to follow suit, ushering in a new era of crypto-powered travel.
