Airline Tickets for Crypto: Air Arabia Integrates AE Coin and AEC Wallet Payments

Air Arabia has introduced ticket payments using a stablecoin, becoming the first airline in the MENA region to offer such an option. The feature, launched in partnership with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank), allows travelers to book flights through the AEC Wallet mobile app, which supports AE Coin—a digital asset fully backed by the UAE dirham.

AE Coin is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the UAE’s national currency, offering price stability, transparent transactions, and low fees. Its integration with Air Arabia enables customers to make payments directly on the airline’s website, introducing a new level of flexibility and convenience to the user experience.

The partnership with Mbank—the UAE’s first fully digital bank—aligns with the broader digitalization strategy across the banking and aviation sectors. The collaboration underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing its digital economy and promoting the use of stablecoins as a secure and efficient payment method.

Amid the UAE’s ongoing digital infrastructure development, Air Arabia’s move sets a key precedent for the regional aviation industry. With a tech-focused approach and seamless integration through AEC Wallet, the airline demonstrates how Web3 solutions can complement traditional services, offering users greater simplicity, speed, and transparency.

How Crypto Payments Work via AEC Wallet — and What AE Coin Is

With the launch of its new payment option, Air Arabia now allows passengers to book tickets using AE Coin directly through AEC Wallet, a mobile app built for secure, instant digital payments. The tool offers transparent transaction processing, low fees, and compatibility with the UAE’s national payment infrastructure.

AEC Wallet is available on the App Store and Google Play. Users can complete identity verification, fund the wallet via their Mbank account, and start making crypto payments. Air Arabia passengers can select AE Coin as a payment method when booking tickets on the airline’s website.

Related: Living with Stablecoins: The Use Cases Explained

Instant settlement, transaction security, and ease of use make AE Coin an effective payment solution, particularly as demand grows for digital and cross-border fintech tools. For Air Arabia and its customers, it marks a move toward decentralized finance with a focus on usability and regulatory alignment.

Why the Launch of AE Coin Could Impact Crypto Adoption in the Region

Integrating AE Coin into Air Arabia’s payment infrastructure marks a new stage for cryptocurrency adoption in the Middle East and North Africa. As the first airline in the region to accept stablecoin payments, Air Arabia sets a precedent that could encourage other sectors, from tourism to e-commerce, to follow suit.

This case demonstrates that crypto payments are moving beyond financial speculation and becoming a practical tool for everyday transactions. With growing demand for fast, low-cost, and transparent payment methods, AE Coin could become a cornerstone of the UAE’s digital economic infrastructure. 

This is particularly significant in the context of the government’s Vision 2031 strategy, which aims to build a sustainable digital financial ecosystem.