Is It Smart to Use Crypto to Buy Your Next Plane Ticket?

Using cryptocurrency to buy plane tickets is becoming more common as airlines and travel platforms start accepting digital currencies. This payment method offers benefits like faster transactions and enhanced privacy. However, it also comes with risks such as price volatility, limited acceptance, and potential security concerns. Before booking your next flight with crypto, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s a smart and practical choice for your travel needs.

Air Arabia, a budget airline based in the Middle East, has joined forces with Al Maryah Community Bank, a digital financial institution in the UAE, to enable passengers to purchase tickets using cryptocurrency, specifically AE Coin, a stable digital currency.

The airline claims this makes it the first in the region to accept payments through a stablecoin, reinforcing its dedication to embracing advanced digital solutions for its customers. On May 26, Air Arabia revealed its collaboration with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to let travelers pay for their flights with AE Coin via the AEC Wallet app, marking a regional first for stablecoin-based transactions in aviation.

The company emphasized that AE Coin is the UAE’s inaugural stablecoin, pegged 1:1 with the Dirham, offering both price consistency and minimal transaction costs. With this integration, travelers booking on the airline’s website can now opt to pay using the AEC Wallet. CEO Adel Al Ali said the move reflects Air Arabia’s focus on enhancing the customer journey through technological innovation.

He noted that the option to pay via AEC Wallet represents the airline’s broader strategy to implement smart tools that deliver greater value, flexibility, and choice to its expanding passenger base. However, to use AE Coin for payments, passengers must first install the AEC Wallet mobile app, register, complete identity verification, and load funds using approved payment methods, a more involved process compared to traditional booking systems.

Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AED Stablecoin, called the partnership a significant step forward, stating that bringing AE Coin into flight payments simplifies transactions and supports a frictionless, cashless travel experience in line with the advancing digital economy. AE Coin’s official site does not list any other corporate collaborations for crypto payments. The UAE Central Bank granted approval for the stablecoin in December 2024. The currency is described by its issuer as a secure, seamless, and cost-effective digital transaction tool.

In recent years, although several airlines expressed interest in accepting cryptocurrencies, many have not followed through. Vueling, a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), had planned to implement crypto payments through BitPay in 2023 but has yet to deliver on that promise as of May 2025. airBaltic, on the other hand, continues to allow passengers to pay with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The airline also ventured into digital collectibles, selling out a collection of unique NFT characters known as ‘Planies’ in October 2024. These NFTs offer benefits like daily loyalty points, business class upgrade chances, and possible VIP status.

Other airlines, such as Emirates, have also expressed interest in adopting crypto payments but haven’t launched concrete solutions. As the initial excitement around cryptocurrencies, often linked to illicit activity, wanes, many carriers have scaled back their ambitions. Nonetheless, third-party travel platforms still offer crypto payment options, allowing tech-savvy customers to use digital assets for booking flights.

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Source: simpleflying‍