Emirates to Accept Bitcoin, Crypto Payments for Flights Starting 2026

by Oluwafemi Kehinde

Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, is taking a bold step into the future of digital finance. AInvest reports that the airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com, a leading global crypto platform, to integrate cryptocurrency payment options into its booking and payment systems. This partnership will enable Emirates customers to pay for flights and services using digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported tokens.

According to Reuters, the integration of Crypto.com Pay is set to go live in 2026. Once launched, millions of Emirates passengers will be able to purchase tickets and additional services using their preferred cryptocurrencies. This initiative is designed to offer greater flexibility and cater to the preferences of tech-savvy, younger travellers who are increasingly comfortable with digital assets.

Emirates to Accept Bitcoin, Crypto Payments for Flights Starting 2026Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised that this move aligns with the airline’s commitment to innovation, flexibility, and customer-centricity. The integration of crypto payments is part of a broader strategy to meet the growing demand for alternative payment methods and to keep pace with global financial innovation. It also supports Dubai’s ambition to become a leading international hub for digital finance and blockchain technology.

While Emirates is the first major global airline in the Middle East to pursue crypto payments at this scale, it joins a growing list of innovators in the aviation sector. Latvia’s airBaltic has accepted Bitcoin since 2014, and platforms like Alternative Airlines enable crypto payments for flights with major carriers worldwide. Emirates’ adoption signals a significant shift toward mainstream acceptance of digital currencies in the travel industry.

Dubai’s government is rapidly expanding the use of cryptocurrencies across multiple sectors. In 2025, Dubai’s Department of Finance partnered with Crypto.com to enable payment of government service fees in crypto, and the Dubai Land Department signed a similar agreement to facilitate blockchain-based property transactions. These efforts are part of Dubai’s broader vision to become a digital-first, cashless society.

For travellers, the ability to pay for Emirates flights and services with cryptocurrencies introduces unprecedented flexibility and convenience. This move is expected to attract a new generation of global travellers who value speed, security, and borderless transactions. Beyond ticketing, crypto payments could extend to baggage fees, onboard purchases, and more, giving tourists more freedom and choice in how they spend.

Emirates’ partnership with Crypto.com is likely just the beginning. As more airlines and travel businesses adopt digital currencies, the ripple effect could transform related sectors, including hotels, transportation, and tour operations. The success of this initiative may inspire other global brands to integrate crypto payments, accelerating the shift toward a digital economy in travel and beyond.

The landmark preliminary agreement between global airline giant Emirates and cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com is poised to send ripples across the global travel landscape. The deal, which will allow customers to pay for flights using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin starting next year, holds significant and multifaceted implications for the African and Nigerian tourism and travel sectors.

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The partnership aims to tap into a younger, digitally native demographic that is increasingly comfortable with and prefers using digital currencies for transactions. For a continent like Africa, and particularly for a nation like Nigeria with one of the highest crypto adoption rates globally, this development could be a game-changer.

The most immediate impact of this partnership is the potential to attract a niche but growing segment of affluent, tech-forward tourists to Africa. These “crypto tourists” are often early adopters of new technologies and are more likely to visit destinations that cater to their digital lifestyle. By accepting cryptocurrency, Emirates is not only catering to this demographic’s payment preferences but also signalling that its destinations, including those in Africa, are modern and innovative.

For Nigeria, a country that has seen a significant surge in cryptocurrency adoption as a hedge against inflation and for seamless cross-border transactions, the move is particularly salient. It could translate into increased foreign exchange inflows through tourism, as travellers paying with crypto would be bringing in external funds. This could be a welcome development for a nation seeking to diversify its economy and increase its tourism revenue.

One of the long-standing challenges in the African travel sector has been the complexities and high costs associated with cross-border payments. Fluctuating exchange rates, intermediary bank fees, and transaction delays are common hurdles. The integration of cryptocurrency payments by a major airline like Emirates could offer a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative.

Transactions on the blockchain can be faster and cheaper than traditional banking systems. This benefit could be passed on to the consumer, making travel to and within Africa more accessible. This is especially pertinent for intra-African travel, where payment frictions are notoriously high.

Despite the promising potential, the path to widespread adoption of crypto payments for travel in Africa is not without its obstacles. The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies remains a significant concern. The value of Bitcoin and other digital assets can fluctuate dramatically, which could introduce a financial risk for both the airline and the traveller.

Furthermore, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies across Africa is a patchwork of varying and often evolving policies. While Nigeria has recently moved from an outright ban to a more regulated approach, the legal framework is still in its nascent stages. 

The digital divide also presents a considerable hurdle. While internet and smartphone penetration are increasing in Africa, a significant portion of the population remains offline. The ability to use and understand cryptocurrencies is still limited to a relatively small, tech-savvy segment of the population. For the benefits of this partnership to be felt more broadly, greater digital literacy and infrastructure development are essential.

 

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FAQs

1. When will Emirates start accepting crypto payments for flights? 

Emirates plans to launch crypto payment options for flights and services in 2026, following the integration of Crypto.com Pay into its systems.

2. Which cryptocurrencies will Emirates accept? 

While the complete list is yet to be confirmed, Emirates is expected to accept major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as other tokens supported by Crypto.com Pay.

3. Why is Emirates adopting crypto payments?  

Emirates aims to offer more flexible, secure, and innovative payment options, targeting tech-savvy travellers and supporting Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in digital finance.

4. Will other airlines follow Emirates in accepting crypto?

Yes, the trend is growing. Airlines like airBaltic and platforms like Alternative Airlines already accept crypto, and Emirates’ move is expected to accelerate industry-wide adoption.

5. How does this fit into Dubai’s broader crypto strategy?

Dubai is rapidly integrating crypto payments across sectors, from government services to real estate, as part of its goal to become a digital-first, cashless, and blockchain-powered city.

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