Emirates Partners with Crypto.com to Enable Crypto Payments for Flights by 2026

Dubai-based airline Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its digital systems, with implementation expected next year. The move positions Emirates as one of the first major international carriers to offer direct crypto payment options.

Announced on Wednesday, the deal will allow Emirates customers to pay for services through Crypto.com Pay, which supports over 20 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also allows for fiat currency settlements such as USD and EUR. The exact crypto tokens and Emirates services eligible for payment have not yet been disclosed.

“Partnering with Crypto.com to integrate cryptocurrency into our digital payments system reflects Emirates’ commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Crypto.com President and COO Eric Anziani said the partnership would bring “real momentum” to crypto adoption and allow both companies to “offer genuine innovative finance solutions.”

Dubai’s Crypto-Friendly Environment Drives Innovation

The partnership reflects Dubai’s growing role as a global crypto hub. The UAE has legalized the use of digital assets for payments across real estate, education, and transportation. In 2022, Dubai launched the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to regulate and support the sector.

More than 650 crypto companies now operate within Dubai’s DMCC free zone, according to local data. Emirates’ initiative follows similar moves by regional competitors – Air Arabia announced in May it would accept flight payments in AE Coin, a UAE dirham-backed stablecoin.

Crypto.com has been expanding aggressively in the region. In May, it signed an MoU with Dubai’s Department of Finance to facilitate crypto payments for government services as part of the city’s broader “cashless strategy.”

What’s Next

Emirates has been hinting at crypto integrations since 2022, including the possibility of Bitcoin payments. While timelines remain tentative, the partnership with Crypto.com signals serious intent to modernize airline payment options for digital-first travelers.

More details are expected as the technical rollout progresses into 2025.

Retail Companies Accepting Crypto Payments (2025)

Company / Brand	Industry	Crypto Accepted	Payment Platform / Method	Region
Shopify (Merchants)	E-commerce	BTC, ETH, USDC, more	Coinbase Commerce, BitPay	Global
Microsoft	Tech / Gaming	BTC	BitPay	Global
AT&T	Telecom	BTC	BitPay	U.S.
Newegg	Electronics	BTC, LTC, DOGE	BitPay	U.S., Canada
AMC Theatres	Entertainment	BTC, ETH, DOGE, SHIB	BitPay	U.S.
Twitch	Streaming	BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC, USDC	Coinbase / Donation	Global
ExpressVPN	VPN / Services	BTC, ETH, XRP, more	In-house Crypto Checkout	Global
Overstock	E-commerce	BTC	BitPay	U.S.
Gucci	Luxury Fashion	BTC, ETH, LTC, SHIB, DOGE	BitPay (POS & Online)	U.S., Europe
PacSun	Youth Apparel	BTC, ETH, DOGE	BitPay	U.S.
Tag Heuer	Luxury Watches	BTC, ETH, SHIB, more	BitPay	U.S., Europe
Philipp Plein	Fashion	20+ coins incl. BTC, ETH	CoinPayments	Global
Hexydog	Pet Products	HEXY token	Custom Blockchain Checkout	U.S. (Online)
Freedx Merchants	Multi-sector	BTC	Gov-licensed gateway	El Salvador
UAE Retailers	Multi-sector	BTC, ETH, BNB, USDT	Binance Pay, BitPay	UAE