Key Takeaways
- Emirates has introduced Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to book flights using cryptocurrency.
- The service is available to UAE residents booking in Emirati Dirham (AED).
- Crypto.com is a Singaporean cryptocurrency exchange with over 100 million users worldwide.
Emirates, one of the world's largest airlines, has officially launched Crypto.com Pay, enabling customers to use digital currencies for flight bookings. This move reflects Emirates' commitment to expanding customer payment options and aligning with evolving consumer preferences.
According to a statement from the airline, customers with a Crypto.com account can now select this payment method at checkout when booking on emirates.com or through the Emirates App. Transactions are processed securely and in compliance with UAE regulatory standards.
The integration is powered by Crypto.com’s Dubai entity, which holds the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence from the Central Bank of the UAE under the Stored Value Facilities (SVF) framework. This partnership was announced in 2025 as part of a broader collaboration between the two entities.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated: '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.'
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer at Crypto.com, added: '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 payment process works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop platforms. On mobile, customers are directed to the Crypto.com app to complete their payment from their wallet before receiving confirmation back in the Emirates App. For desktop users, selecting Crypto.com Pay at the checkout step leads them to scan a QR code displayed on the booking page, which they then approve through their Crypto.com account.
The launch is specifically designed for UAE residents and transactions are priced and settled in Emirati Dirham (AED). This ensures that customers can use cryptocurrency without the need for conversion into local currency, streamlining the payment process.
This move by Emirates underscores its commitment to innovation and digital transformation. By integrating cryptocurrency payments, the airline is catering to a growing segment of tech-savvy travelers who prefer using digital currencies for their transactions.
'Bringing this initiative to life delivers on our commitment to expanding customer choice in how they pay for travel.'
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer
'Partnering with Emirates is a milestone for Crypto.com and our Pay feature, which is renowned for its ease of use and seamless integration.'
Eric Anziani, President and Chief Operating Officer, Crypto.com
