Emirates Joins Ranks of Airlines Accepting Crypto Payments

Emirates, one of the largest airlines in the world, has partnered with Crypto.com to allow eligible UAE residents to pay for flights using cryptocurrencies. The airline's website and mobile app now feature a new payment option called Crypto.com Pay, which enables users to authorize payments from their Crypto.com wallets during checkout.

The process varies depending on whether customers are using a smartphone or desktop computer. Mobile users are prompted to complete the transaction within the Crypto.com app, while desktop shoppers scan a QR code at checkout to confirm payment.

Emirates will receive payment in UAE dirhams rather than taking custody of cryptocurrencies itself. Instead, Crypto.com handles the conversion during the process, reducing direct crypto exposure for the airline.

This partnership follows a previous announcement and comes after Crypto.com received a UAE central bank Stored Value Facilities (SVF) license. The move is part of Emirates' efforts to adapt to changing customer preferences and reflects the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency payments in mainstream commerce.