How to Pay for Flights with Crypto in the UAE: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Key takeaways

• Airlines and travel agencies, including Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now support cryptocurrency payments for bookings, targeting tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads.

• Travelers can pay with Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins and other digital assets via checkout or gift cards, depending on the platform.

• The UAE’s initiatives, such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), could help expand crypto-powered services like flight tickets and loyalty programs.

• Travelers should monitor exchange rates, choose regulated platforms and maintain transaction records for a smooth booking experience.

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a torchbearer in cryptocurrency adoption, with travel being the latest sector to embrace this trend. In July 2025, Emirates signed an agreement with Crypto.com to allow passengers to pay for flights and in-flight purchases using cryptocurrencies. 

The move reflects the UAE’s efforts to attract tech-savvy tourists, digital nomads and residents who value secure and flexible payment options. As more travelers choose to pay with digital currencies, integration of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) Tether USDt (USDT) and more. 

This article briefs you about platforms enabling you to purchase crypto flight bookings. It explains the step-by-step process to make these bookings and provides tips for making an optimum deal.

Platforms in the UAE that accept flight bookings

The UAE has set up an advanced financial ecosystem with regulations supporting crypto. The aviation and travel industries are also part of this trend, and you can book flights with cryptocurrency with several airlines and travel agencies.

Here is a review of key platforms and agencies accepting cryptocurrencies with flight bookings, comparing their fees, supported digital currencies and overall user experience.

Emirates Airlines

• Overview: Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, has collaborated with Crypto.com to enable cryptocurrency payments through Crypto.com Pay, scheduled to launch in 2026.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, Cronos (CRO) and stablecoins like USDT and USDC (USDC), with plans to support over 30 currencies.

• Availability: Payments will cover flights and extra services across Emirates’ routes, such as upgrades and duty-free items.

Air Arabia

• Overview: Air Arabia, a Dubai-listed budget airline, accepts AE Coin, a dirham-backed stablecoin, for bookings. Using one stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AED.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: AE Coin only; AE Coin is a stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin.

• Availability: Bookings are available across Air Arabia’s Middle East, North Africa and Asia networks.

Did you know? In 2014, Latvian airline airBaltic became the world’s first airline to accept Bitcoin for flight bookings. This move paved the way for global carriers like Emirates and platforms such as Travala to integrate cryptocurrency payments.

Travala

• Overview: A blockchain-based booking platform covering flights, hotels and experiences, popular in the UAE for its extensive crypto support.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB (BNB) and AVA (Travala’s token).

• Availability: Global travel services.

Alternative Airlines

• Overview: This online travel agency allows bookings with over 650 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad, and is a favorite among crypto users.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, XRP (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), USDT and more.

• Availability: Offers global bookings, including those of UAE-based airlines.

Destinia

• Overview: A worldwide travel agency supporting crypto for flights, hotels and car rentals, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies.

• Availability: Global bookings, including UAE-based airlines.

How to make a crypto payment for booking a flight

Airlines in the UAE don’t take direct crypto payments; instead, they collaborate with a crypto service provider to facilitate crypto payments for them. You can make a crypto payment via the checkout or a gift card.

• Via checkout: To use cryptocurrency at checkout, choose the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, secure and supported by many travel agencies and airlines.

• Via gift card: Some platforms allow indirect crypto payments through digital gift cards. Purchase a travel gift card and apply the gift card balance to your booking as a payment code or credit. 

Did you know? Travala reported a 46% increase in crypto bookings from January 2023 to January 2024. This surge reflects a growing demand among travelers seeking flexible, borderless payment options while bypassing hefty credit card fees and traditional banking hurdles.

Step-by-step guide for booking a flight via checkout with crypto payment

Here is a guide on how to book a flight via checkout with crypto payment. The guide uses Travala for illustrative purposes.

• Step 1) Choose a crypto-friendly travel platform: Select a platform that supports cryptocurrencies for booking flights in the UAE.

• Step 2) Select flight details: Enter your destination, travel dates and preferences on the platform. Filter options to find the best flight for your needs.

• Step 3) Proceed to payment and select the cryptocurrency option: At checkout, choose the cryptocurrency payment option from the available methods. Travala, for instance, offers options like cryptocurrency transfer, Crypto.com and Binance Pay.

• Step 4) Connect crypto wallet: Select the appropriate crypto payment tab and tap “Complete reservation.” In the case of Travala, you could tap Cryptocurrency Transfer, Crypto.com or Binance Pay and initiate the payment process.

• Step 5) Authorize payment: Log in to your crypto wallet, verify the amount and authorize the transaction securely to confirm payment. To authorize, you could use the notification sent to your wallet or scan a QR code shared by the agency or airlines using your wallet.

• Step 6) Receive e-ticket: Receive your e-ticket via email or on the platform.

Tips for flight booking with cryptocurrencies

Using cryptocurrency to pay for flights is convenient, but taking certain precautions ensures a smooth and worry-free experience. Consider the following before finalizing your booking:

• Review transaction fees and exchange rates: Check the costs of a cryptocurrency transaction and compare them to traditional payment options.

• Ensure platform reliability and security: Select airlines or agencies that use trusted, regulated payment gateways for secure transactions.

• Track cryptocurrency market fluctuations: Make payments when prices are stable to avoid unexpected expenses due to volatility.

• Maintain transaction records: Keep copies of receipts, blockchain transaction IDs and booking confirmations for reference in case of refunds or disputes.

Did you know? Many service providers prefer stablecoins like USDT and USDC over BTC or ETH. Stablecoins reduce volatility risks and settle quickly, offering a reliable alternative to traditional payments.

Future of cryptocurrency in UAE air travel

The UAE swiftly adopted cryptocurrency in its travel industry, focusing on digital innovation. Major airlines and platforms, such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Travala and Alternative Airlines, now accept crypto payments, promising greater convenience for travelers. With a regime that supports crypto enterprises, acceptance of crypto is sure to grow.

Steps like Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) reflect the UAE’s commitment to deeper crypto integration with various life activities. These efforts could enable new services, such as crypto-based loyalty programs, blockchain-streamlined visa processing and decentralized travel insurance.

Crypto-powered travel hubs may emerge, offering seamless ticket booking, in-destination payments and automated compliance via blockchain. As regulations strengthen and technology advances, the UAE is poised to lead crypto-driven travel, delivering secure, innovative and efficient travel experiences.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.