Emirates Airlines Begins Accepting Cryptocurrency for Flight Tickets

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-07-28Last updated on 2026-07-28

Abstract

Emirates airline has launched a service for purchasing flight tickets using cryptocurrency via Crypto.com Pay. The new payment method is available to residents of the United Arab Emirates through Emirates' official website and mobile app. Transactions are settled in UAE dirhams (AED). This initiative, stemming from a July 2025 memorandum of understanding, offers two payment methods: via the Emirates app, which redirects users to their crypto wallet for confirmation, or by scanning a QR code on the Emirates website with the Crypto.com app. The integration is facilitated through Crypto.com's Dubai unit, which holds a license from the UAE Central Bank. Emirates leadership stated the move expands customer payment options and caters to digitally savvy, younger generations. It also aligns with Dubai's Cashless Strategy, aiming to digitize 90% of all financial transactions by year-end as part of the D33 economic program. The article further notes regulatory context, referencing a framework issued in April by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) that categorizes token issuance, requiring full licensing and 100% reserves for fiat-backed stablecoins.

Emirates Airlines has launched the Crypto.com Pay service for purchasing flight tickets with cryptocurrency. According to a statement from Emirates management, the new payment method is now available to residents of the United Arab Emirates on the company's official website and mobile app.

Transactions are processed in UAE dirhams (AED). This step is the practical implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed by the partners in July 2025.

Transaction Mechanics

The integration operates through the Dubai subsidiary of Crypto.com, as the first structure among Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) to receive a Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license from the Central Bank of the UAE.

The payment process depends on the device used:

Mobile devices: When booking through the Emirates app, the user selects Crypto.com Pay, is automatically redirected to the wallet app for confirmation of the debit, and returns to receive the receipt;
Desktop computers: The customer scans a QR code on emirates.com using the Crypto.com mobile app, confirms the transfer, and receives an e-ticket.

"The implementation of this initiative fulfills our commitment to expanding payment options for our customers' travel. It also reflects the rapidly changing preferences of a younger, digitally-savvy generation that manages their money from their phones," emphasized Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates.

The introduction of the service supports the Dubai Cashless Strategy within the D33 economic program, which aims to shift 90% of all financial transactions to a digital format by the end of the year.

Related: UAE telecom giant launches pilot for integrating regulated dirham stablecoin

Regulation of Issuance

In April, the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a roadmap regulating asset issuance.

According to VARA's guidelines, all tokens issued are divided into three categories:

Category 1: Fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRVA) and assets backed by physical resources or revenue (ARVA/RWA). Issuers must obtain a full VARA license and hold 100% reserves;
Category 2: Other virtual assets not falling into the first group. A license for issuance is not required, but sales must go through licensed distributors;
Excluded Assets (Exempt VAs): Non-transferable tokens and closed-loop loyalty points without a secondary market.

Related: Dubai regulator penalizes 19 crypto companies for operating without licenses

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