Emirates Becomes First Major Gulf Airline to Accept Crypto Payments

Emirates has become the first major Gulf airline to accept cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings. The carrier launched Crypto.com Pay on July 28, allowing eligible UAE residents to use their crypto wallets to buy tickets.

The service is restricted to AED transactions and is only available to qualifying UAE residents. Emirates does not hold any digital assets and is paid in fiat currency by Crypto.com.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer, said the launch delivered on the airline's commitment to expanding customer choice in how they pay for travel. He tied the decision to younger customers who manage money and travel through their phones.