The United Arab Emirates is cementing its reputation as a global leader in digital finance with a historic step forward: airlines including Emirates and Air Arabia now accept cryptocurrency for flight bookings. From XRP and Bitcoin to Ethereum and stablecoins, travelers can pay for flights using digital assets, marking a new chapter in aviation payments. Emirates, in particular, has signed a landmark agreement with Crypto.com Pay, with a full rollout planned by 2026.
This move reflects the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a hub for financial innovation while catering to a new generation of tech-savvy travelers, digital nomads, and residents who demand flexible, secure, and modern payment methods.
Emirates Partners with Crypto.com Pay
In July 2025, Emirates Airlines announced its groundbreaking collaboration with Crypto.com Pay, becoming the first major Middle Eastern carrier to fully integrate cryptocurrency payments across its ecosystem. Once fully operational in 2026, passengers will be able to pay for tickets, upgrades, duty-free purchases, and premium services using more than 30 cryptocurrencies.
Supported digital assets include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple’s XRP, Cronos (CRO), and popular stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. This broad adoption underscores Emirates’ commitment to customer convenience and digital transformation.
“This is more than just a payment option,” said an Emirates spokesperson. “It represents our long-term vision of enhancing the travel experience through innovation and offering passengers payment solutions that align with the digital future.”
Air Arabia and the AE Coin Advantage
While Emirates has gone global in scope, low-cost carrier Air Arabia has chosen a localized strategy. The airline now accepts AE Coin, a stablecoin backed by the Emirati dirham. Issued by AED Stablecoin, AE Coin eliminates the volatility associated with other cryptocurrencies, providing customers with the reliability of a fiat-backed currency combined with the efficiency of blockchain transactions.
This option has proven particularly appealing for regional travelers across Air Arabia’s Middle East, North Africa, and Asia networks, ensuring a seamless payment process familiar to those already accustomed to the UAE dirham.
Building on Global Precedents
The aviation industry has been experimenting with digital currency for over a decade. In 2014, Latvian airline airBaltic became the first carrier to accept Bitcoin for flight bookings. That pioneering move has since inspired airlines worldwide, including Emirates and Air Arabia, to integrate blockchain technology into their operations.
Today, travelers can also book flights with Emirates and other UAE carriers via third-party crypto-friendly platforms like Alternative Airlines and Travala. These intermediaries support a wide array of cryptocurrencies, including Litecoin, Cardano, Dogecoin, and multiple stablecoins.
Travala, in particular, has reported surging demand, with crypto bookings up 46% between January 2023 and January 2024. This trend reflects growing consumer confidence in digital assets as a mainstream payment method.
Why XRP Stands Out in Aviation Payments
Among the many cryptocurrencies now available for airline payments, XRP has attracted significant attention. Known for its low transaction fees and rapid processing times, XRP is especially well-suited for travel-related payments where speed and cost-efficiency are critical.
With the UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) providing a favorable environment for innovation, XRP’s integration into the aviation industry serves as a real-world validation of its utility beyond speculation. For holders, the ability to use XRP directly for international services like flights strengthens its role as a practical medium of exchange.
Crypto Adoption and Platforms Like Bitget
The increasing adoption of crypto in the aviation industry has also driven interest in trading platforms such as Bitget, which has emerged as a popular choice for XRP investors. Offering low trading fees, robust liquidity, and enhanced security, Bitget enables users to quickly purchase and hold XRP to take advantage of these emerging real-world use cases.
Industry experts suggest a staggered purchase approach—allocating 5–10% of a crypto portfolio to XRP—as a way to benefit from its growing role in global travel payments. The continued expansion of partnerships like Emirates–Crypto.com only strengthens the case for long-term adoption.
A Ripple Effect for Global Aviation
The UAE’s aviation sector has become a testing ground for how crypto can transform traditional industries. With Emirates leading the charge through its expansive Crypto.com Pay partnership and Air Arabia focusing on stability with AE Coin, the region is demonstrating multiple pathways to adoption.
As more airlines integrate crypto into their systems—either directly or via booking platforms—travelers worldwide may soon view digital currencies as a standard option rather than a novelty. This ripple effect could reshape how global airlines engage with customers, offering a blend of convenience, security, and innovation.
Looking Ahead
By pioneering the acceptance of cryptocurrencies in aviation, the UAE has positioned itself at the forefront of financial and technological convergence. Emirates’ full integration of Crypto.com Pay by 2026, coupled with Air Arabia’s embrace of AE Coin, highlights how the region is balancing global reach with local innovation.
As crypto adoption accelerates, the UAE’s approach could inspire airlines across Europe, Asia, and the Americas to follow suit, reinforcing aviation as a trailblazer in the digital payment revolution.
