Crypto currency service provider, Crypto.com, secures travel payment agreement with Emirates airline.
In a significant move towards digital innovation, Emirates Airline has announced its plans to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its services, partnering with Crypto.com[1][2][3]. The groundbreaking decision, subject to internal readiness and regulatory approvals, is expected to go live by late 2025 or early 2026[4].
The partnership, formalised in Dubai in July 2025, was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammed Al Hakim, President of Crypto.com's UAE operations, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group[5].
The initial rollout will reportedly start with Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to use cryptocurrency as a payment option for flights and other transactions[1]. Supported cryptocurrencies will be instantly converted into UAE Dirhams (AED) at checkout, with Emirates not holding cryptocurrencies on its balance sheet[1].
This strategic move aligns with Dubai's vision to become a global leader in financial innovation and digital asset ecosystems[1][2][3]. It also caters to younger, digital-first travelers, reflecting Emirates' commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences and tapping into tech-savvy customer segments[6].
In addition, the partnership includes plans for joint marketing initiatives to raise awareness about crypto payments among Emirates customers[3]. This collaboration also sees Crypto.com joining CF Benchmarks, enhancing Bitcoin and Ethereum indices for Emirates[7].
If completed, Emirates would become one of the first major international airlines to fully integrate crypto into its payment stack[8]. This move underscores Emirates' broader digital strategy and goal of offering flexible payment options for customers[6].
The news builds on Emirates' earlier interest in crypto payments, dating back to 2022, when COO Adel Ahmed Al-Redha had floated plans to accept Bitcoin (BTC) shortly after the UAE introduced crypto-friendly regulations[9]. Kraken and Crypto.com are also planning to launch proprietary stablecoins in 2025[10].
In summary, travelers can expect to pay for Emirates flights with cryptocurrencies starting around late 2025, with full integration into the airline's payment systems anticipated throughout 2026[1][2][3][4]. This partnership marks another step in expanding real-world use cases for crypto payments, as per Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani's statement[4].
[1] Emirates to accept cryptocurrency payments [2] Emirates partners with Crypto.com to integrate digital payments [3] Emirates and Crypto.com to explore crypto payments and marketing campaigns [4] Emirates to start accepting Bitcoin for flights by late 2025 [5] Emirates signs MoU with Crypto.com for crypto payments integration [6] Emirates to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for flights [7] Crypto.com joins CF Benchmarks, enhancing Bitcoin and Ethereum indices for Emirates [8] Emirates to become one of the first major international airlines to accept cryptocurrency payments [9] Emirates to accept Bitcoin for flights following UAE's crypto-friendly regulations [10] Kraken and Crypto.com to launch proprietary stablecoins in 2025
- Emirates Airline will initially roll out cryptocurrency payments using Crypto.com Pay, allowing customers to pay for flights and other transactions with various supported cryptocurrencies.
- These cryptocurrencies will be instantly converted into UAE Dirhams at checkout, with Emirates not holding cryptocurrencies on its balance sheet.
- Crypto.com, through this partnership, will also join CF Benchmarks, enhancing Bitcoin and Ethereum indices for Emirates.
- if completed, Emirates could become one of the first major international airlines to fully integrate crypto into its payment stack, reflecting its broader digital strategy and goal of offering flexible payment options for customers.
