news 
Fly Emirates, Pay in Bitcoin: Full Integration Set for 2026
In a groundbreaking move, Emirates has announced its plans to fully integrate cryptocurrency payments by 2026. This monumental decision marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s adoption of digital currencies. As a leading airline, Emirates aims to stay ahead of the curve and cater to the evolving preferences of its tech-savvy customer base.
The partnership with Crypto.com is expected to revolutionize the way passengers pay for flights, upgrades, duty-free items, and other services on Emirates routes. With this integration, customers will be able to use a range of digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cronos (CRO), and stablecoins like USDT and USDC. The airline plans to support over 30 cryptocurrencies, making it easier for the public to integrate these digital assets into their daily transactions.
This development is not an isolated incident in the UAE. Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, has already started accepting AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin for flight bookings across its network covering the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Travala, a blockchain-based global travel booking platform, offers flights and hotels with crypto payments, supporting multiple cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, Binance Coin (BNB), and AVA token. Similarly, Destinia, a global travel agency for flights, hotels, and car rentals, has also integrated cryptocurrency payments, supporting cryptos like BTC, ETH, and USDT.
On the regulatory front, the UAE has made significant strides in creating an environment conducive to crypto adoption. Recent regulatory developments have focused on licensing, AML/KYC compliance, consumer protection, and adherence to international standards like FATF. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the foundation of cryptocurrency transactions in the UAE by promoting greater stability and transparency.
Emirates’ Chief Commercial Manager, Adnan Kazim, emphasized the airline’s commitment to meeting evolving customer preferences, tapping into younger segments who prefer digital currencies, and aligning with Dubai’s vision to be at the forefront of financial innovation.
Source: coinpedia.org
