Emirates to Accept Crypto Payments for Flights from 2025

Emirates Airline, one of the world’s top 10 carriers, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to accept cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings starting in 2025. This move marks a significant step in the mainstream adoption of digital assets and aligns with the airline’s goal to engage younger, tech-driven customers and solidify its leadership in digital transformation.

According to Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, the decision to integrate crypto payments is strategic, coming at a time when global sentiment toward cryptocurrency payments is evolving, particularly in pro-innovation regions. This initiative will allow customers to purchase tickets directly using leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and possibly stablecoins. The company plans to instantly convert crypto payments into fiat to avoid market volatility, a popular approach among major merchants.

Emirates’ move underscores the growing acceptance of digital currencies in traditional industries. Once confined to fringe online communities, crypto is now entering luxury markets and traditional industries at scale. This integration is expected to accelerate as companies see increased revenue potential from offering alternative payment options.

The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global crypto hub, offering regulatory clarity and business-friendly frameworks. This has attracted numerous blockchain firms and major crypto players to relocate to Dubai. Emirates’ integration of crypto payments aligns with the country’s digital-forward vision, making its vast global network more accessible to millions of crypto holders worldwide.

Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payment system. This partnership aims to allow customers to make payments for flights and services using cryptocurrencies, with the rollout expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The deal was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, underscoring Dubai's broader ambition to lead in financial innovation.

When the feature goes live, travelers will be able to pay for flights and services using a variety of cryptocurrencies. However, Emirates will not hold any crypto on its books. All crypto payments will be instantly converted to AED at real-time exchange rates at the moment of purchase, ensuring full compliance, minimal FX exposure, and a frictionless user experience.

The first stage of the integration will focus on technical readiness, regulatory alignment, and customer UX mapping. Discussions are ongoing about whether to start the rollout by region, route, or go for a global pilot. This move by Emirates aligns with Dubai's position as a hub for crypto commerce. The city's regulatory clarity and infrastructure have attracted over 600 crypto firms, including major players.

This partnership reflects a growing trend of crypto adoption across various industries, including travel and real estate. As more companies embrace digital currencies, the need for real-time price tracking and technical analysis tools becomes increasingly important. This move by Emirates and Crypto.com is a significant step towards making crypto payments a mainstream option for travelers, aligning with Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in digital finance.