Travel and technology keep blending more every year. One big sign of this is cryptocurrencies playing a bigger role in everyday shopping and services. Airlines are turning to crypto as well, aiming to make booking flights easier for all kinds of travelers. Emirates, a leader in the airline industry, is stepping into this future by teaming up with Crypto.com. This partnership will let passengers pay with cryptocurrencies by 2026. It’s a bold move that could shake up how we fly and pay for travel.
As part of a new agreement to improve travel retail experiences, Dubai Duty Free will accept cryptocurrency payments. With strict rules and more than 600 cryptocurrency companies operating in its free zones, Dubai remains the leader in digital assets.
To launch bitcoin as a payment method, Emirates and Crypto.com have inked a memorandum of agreement. By the next year, the airline will use Crypto.com Pay to handle payments for tickets and other services.
This action promotes the transition to digital payments and Dubai’s financial innovation objectives. The rollout will start with specific routes or regions and happen in phases. At the point of sale, Emirates will exchange bitcoin payments into local currency.
Digital assets won’t be kept on Emirates’ balance sheet by the payment system. All transactions will be settled in UAE dirhams. Technical planning, compliance audits, and enhancing the client experience are all part of the partnership. Additionally, both sides will launch marketing initiatives to increase awareness and encourage service uptake.
Dubai Increases Cryptocurrency Transactions Every Day
Dubai is still in favour of using digital assets for regular payments. Currently, more than 600 cryptocurrency businesses are active in Dubai’s financial zones. VARA, the city’s regulatory body, establishes guidelines for virtual asset activities and user protection. Emirates now accepts cryptocurrency, joining businesses in the retail, communications, and real estate industries.
Airlines that accept cryptocurrency payments include Air Arabia. The financial centre of Dubai just approved Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin. Growing demand from contemporary consumers and international tourists is reflected in the move towards digital currencies. By increasing its digital offerings, Emirates hopes to meet these expectations.
Dubai Duty Free Adopts Crypto as Well
Travellers can now purchase with cryptocurrency thanks to a partnership between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com. Programs for consumer interaction and marketing are shared as part of the partnership. These initiatives will help clients learn about cryptocurrency payments and promote the business. Dubai Duty Free processed sales of more than AED 4 billion in the first half of 2025.
Several digital payment options are already accepted by the retail operator. Crypto is now included in its roadmap for future payments. To ensure a successful launch, technical planning and feasibility studies are being carried out. Through innovation, Dubai Duty Free hopes to strengthen its position in the global travel retail industry.
Travel Industry Crypto Adoption Is Growing
Cryptocurrency is being more widely used in the tourism sector for reservations and services. Crypto platforms are now used by nations like Bhutan to pay for domestic travel. As part of its larger travel strategy, Crypto.com intends to form additional airline agreements. It seeks to facilitate cryptocurrency use across industries.
Support for this trend is further provided by Dubai’s target of 90% cashless transactions by 2026. Unambiguous rules lower risk and draw in businesses. Another step towards increasing the accessibility and usefulness of digital payments for international travellers is Emirates’ embrace of cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
Emirates is taking a bold step into the future by planning to accept cryptocurrency payments by 2026. The partnership with Crypto.com marks a major shift in how airlines handle payments. For travelers, this means more convenient, private options. For the industry, it signals a move toward more flexible, tech-driven experiences. As this change unfolds, travelers and businesses alike should prepare for a world where digital currencies become a key part of travel plans. The future of flying is just getting more digital.