Key takeout
Airlines and travel agents, including Emirates, Air Arabia, Trabara and alternative airlines, currently support cryptocurrency payments for bookings, targeting tech-savvy travelers and digital nomads.
Travelers can pay with Bitcoin, ether, stubcoin, or other digital assets, using checkout or gift cards, depending on the platform.
UAE initiatives such as Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) will help expand crypto-powered services such as flight tickets and loyalty programs.
Travelers need to monitor exchange rates, choose a regulated platform, and maintain transaction records for a smooth booking experience.
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a torch bearer for cryptocurrency adoption, and travel is the latest sector to embrace this trend. In July 2025, Emirates signed a contract with crypto.com, allowing passengers to use crypto currency to pay for flights and in-flight purchases.
The move reflects the UAE’s efforts to attract tech-savvy tourists, digital nomads and residents who value safe and flexible payment options. As more travelers choose to pay in digital currency, they will be able to consolidate cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) Tether USDT (USDT).
This article explains the platform where you can purchase pre-orders for Crypto Flight. It explains the step-by-step process for making these bookings and provides tips for making the most optimal deal.
The UAE platform accepts flight bookings
The UAE has established a sophisticated financial ecosystem with regulations supporting crypto. The aviation and travel industry is part of this trend, with several airlines and travel agents able to book flights with cryptocurrency.
Here we compare reviews, prices, supported digital currencies, and overall user experiences of major platforms and institutions that accept cryptocurrencies in flight bookings.
Emirates Airlines
Summary: Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, has collaborated with crypto.com to enable Cryptocurrency payments through crypto.com Pay, which is scheduled to be released in 2026.
Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, CRONOS (CRO), and stubcoins like USDT and USDC (USDC), plans to support over 30 currencies.
Availability: Payment covers flights and additional services across Emirates routes, including upgrades and tax-free items.
Air Arabia
Summary: Air Arabia, a budget airline registered in Dubai, accepts Ae Coin, a Dirham-assisted Stablecoin for booking. One Stablecoin simplifies payments for local users familiar with digital AEDs.
Supported cryptocurrencies: AE coins only. AE Coin is a Stablecoin issued by AED Stablecoin.
Availability: Reservations are available throughout Air Aravia’s Middle East, North Africa and Asia network.
Did you know? In 2014, Latvian airline Air Baltic became the world’s first airline to accept Bitcoin for flight bookings. The move paved the way for global airlines, such as the Emirates and platforms such as Travala, to consolidate cryptocurrency payments.
Trabara
Summary: A blockchain-based booking platform that covers flights, hotels and experiences. Popular crypto support in the United Arab Emirates.
Supported cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB (BNB), AVA (Travala’s Token).
Availability: Global Travel Services.
Alternative Airlines
Summary: 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, etc.
Availability: We offer global bookings, including UAE-based airlines.
Destinia
Summary: A global travel agency that supports flight, hotel and car rental encryption, offering flexible payment options for UAE travelers.
Supported Cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, USDT and other major cryptocurrencies.
Availability: Global reservations including UAE-based airlines.
How to pay with encryption for booking a flight
UAE airlines do not obtain direct encryption. Instead, they work with cryptographic service providers to promote their cryptographic payments. You can pay for the encryption via checkout or gift cards.
Through Checkout: To use cryptocurrency at checkout, select the crypto payment option on the booking platform. This method is simple, safe and supported by many travel agents and airlines.
Through Gift Cards: Some platforms allow indirect crypto payments via 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 reservations from January 2023 to January 2024. This surge reflects an increase in demand from travelers seeking flexible, borderless payment options while bypassing large credit card fees and traditional banking hurdles.
A step-by-step guide to book flights via checkout with Crypto payment
Here’s a guide on how to book a flight via checkout with Crypto Payment: This guide uses Travala for illustration purposes.
Step 1) Choose a crypto-friendly travel platform. Choose a platform that supports cryptocurrency to book flights in the UAE.
Step 2) Select flight details. Enter your settings for your destination, travel date, and platform. Filter options to find the best flight for your needs.
Step 3) Go to Payment and select the Cryptocurrency option. At checkout, select the cryptocurrency payment option from the available methods. For example, Travala offers options such as Cryptocurrency Transfer, Crypto.com, Binance Pay, and more.
Step 4) Connect Crypto Wallet: Select the appropriate crypto payments tab and tap “Full Booking”. For Travala, you can start the payment process by tapping Cryptocurrency Transfer, Crypto.com, or Binance Pay.
Step 5) Payment approval: Log in to your crypto wallet, check the amount and firmly allow the transaction to confirm your payment. To approve, you can use the notification sent to your wallet or use the wallet to scan QR codes shared by your agent or airline.
Step 6) Receive your e-ticket: Receive your e-book via email or platform.
Cryptocurrency flight booking tips
Paying for flights using cryptocurrency is convenient, but certain precautions ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. Before completing your booking, consider the following:
Check transaction fees and exchange rates: Check the costs of cryptocurrency transactions and compare them with traditional payment options.
Ensure platform reliability and security: Choose an airline or institution that uses a reliable, regulated payment gateway for secure transactions.
Track the fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market: make payments if prices are stable to avoid unexpected costs due to volatility.
Maintain transaction records: In the case of a refund or dispute, we will maintain a copy of receipt, blockchain transaction ID, and a reservation confirmation of the reference.
Did you know? Many service providers prefer stub coins such as USDT or USDC over BTC or ETH. Stablecoins reduces the risk of volatility, resolves quickly, and offers a reliable alternative to traditional payments.
The future of cryptocurrency in air travel in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE has quickly adopted cryptocurrency in the travel industry focused on digital innovation. Major airlines and platforms such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Travara and alternative airlines accept crypto payments and promise greater convenience for travelers. With a system that supports crypto companies, the acceptance of crypto will certainly grow.
Steps like Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) reflect the UAE’s commitment to deeper crypto integration with a variety of living activities. These efforts will enable new services such as crypto-based loyalty programs, blockchain streamline visa processing, and decentralized travel insurance.
Crypto-powered travel hubs will emerge to offer seamless ticket bookings, candidate payments and automated compliance via blockchain. As regulations grow and technology advance, the UAE is poised to lead crypto-driven travel and provide a safe, innovative and efficient travel experience.
This article does not include investment advice or recommendations. All investment and trading movements include risk and readers must do their own research when making decisions.
