Air Arabia becomes first UAE airline to accept cryptocurrency payments
AE Coin now valid for bookings
DUBAI: In a landmark move for the UAE’s aviation and fintech sectors, Air Arabia has become the first airline in the country to accept cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings.
The Sharjah-based carrier has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to integrate AE Coin, a UAE-regulated stablecoin, as a payment option. Customers can now book tickets on Air Arabia’s website using the AEC Wallet App, which supports AE Coin transactions.
AE Coin is pegged 1:1 to the UAE dirham, offering a stable, secure, and low-fee alternative to traditional payment methods. This development reinforces the UAE’s wider push toward a digital-first economy and positions Air Arabia as a pioneer in offering flexible financial solutions for tech-savvy travellers.
How it works
Travellers choosing to pay with AE Coin must first download the AEC Wallet from the App Store or Google Play. After creating an account and verifying their identity, users can top up their wallet through Mbank or other supported payment channels. Once funded, the AEC Wallet can be selected at checkout when purchasing tickets online via Air Arabia’s website.
The use of AE Coin simplifies the payment process by offering speed and transparency. Since the stablecoin is backed directly by the dirham, it avoids the price volatility of unregulated digital assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The result is a frictionless, cashless experience tailored to the evolving demands of digital consumers.
Pioneering partnership
Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, said the partnership with Mbank aligns with the airline’s goal to enhance the travel experience through innovation. “We are committed to embracing digitalisation and smart solutions that add value and flexibility for our customers,” he stated.
Mbank, the UAE’s first fully digital bank, plays a central role in deploying the AEC Wallet and AE Coin infrastructure. CEO Mohammed Wassim Khayata emphasised that the partnership reflects a shared mission of making digital payments more accessible and secure.
Regulated and ready
AE Coin is the first UAE-regulated stablecoin, approved by the Central Bank, and engineered to deliver stable value without the swings commonly seen in other cryptocurrencies. Its introduction comes amid a broader national effort to implement blockchain-based payment systems across industries.
Ramez Rafeek, General Manager of AE Coin, noted this collaboration as a key milestone in expanding real-world utility for digital currencies. “By integrating AE Coin into flight bookings, we are enabling a seamless cashless solution that fits the growing digital economy,” he said.
This move also positions Air Arabia as a model for other regional airlines considering cryptocurrency adoption. With over $208 billion worth of stablecoins projected in circulation this year, the trend towards secure, regulated digital payments continues to gain altitude.