Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to explore adding Crypto.com Pay as a future payment option, potentially allowing customers to buy flights using cryptocurrency. While specific currencies or timelines haven’t been confirmed, the move could make Emirates the first major airline to offer direct crypto payments.
The integration is expected to take effect next year, according to the Media Centre of Emirates Airlines.
Photograph: Emirates.Com
The partnership highlights Emirates’ aim to appeal to younger, tech-savvy travelers and aligns with Dubai’s broader push to embrace digital assets. Crypto.com President Eric Anziani called the collaboration a major step toward expanding crypto’s everyday use.
Though Emirates is leading among major airlines, AirBaltic pioneered Bitcoin payments in 2014, and the third-party platform Alternative Airlines lets users buy flights with over 100 cryptocurrencies from major carriers.
The move follows Crypto.com’s growing presence in Dubai, including MoUs with the Dubai government and Land Department to integrate crypto into public services and real estate, reinforcing the city’s ambitions as a global crypto hub.