Emirates Introduces Jaywan Card Payments with Flight Discounts from September 16

Emirates will begin accepting Jaywan card payments from September 16, becoming one of the first international airlines to integrate the UAE's domestic payment card scheme while offering customers exclusive discounts on flight bookings. The move is expected to expand payment options for travellers and support the country's ambition to build a stronger homegrown digital payments ecosystem.

The Dubai-based carrier announced that customers using eligible Jaywan debit and prepaid cards will receive special promotional fares on Emirates tickets booked through its official channels. The initiative is part of a strategic partnership between Emirates and Al Etihad Payments, the operator of the UAE's national card scheme, aimed at encouraging wider adoption of Jaywan for everyday transactions, including travel.

Jaywan, launched by the Central Bank of the UAE, is the country's first national card payment scheme. Designed to provide a locally operated alternative for domestic payments while remaining compatible with international payment networks, it seeks to reduce processing costs, strengthen financial infrastructure and promote greater payment sovereignty within the UAE.

Discounted fares until 2028

The promotional offer applies to bookings made between September 16, 2026 and August 31, 2027, with travel valid until February 29, 2028. Jaywan cardholders will be able to access discounted fares across all cabin classes and most one-way and return fare types on flights departing from Dubai.

For now, customers can enjoy the special fares by booking through Emirates Retail stores, where physical Jaywan cards are accepted after verification. Emirates says the discounted online booking option will be introduced soon, allowing eligible customers to pay directly with Jaywan on emirates.com and the Emirates mobile app.

Expanding digital payment options

The Jaywan partnership builds on Emirates' broader strategy to diversify digital payment methods for travellers. In October 2025, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Finance to support the Dubai Cashless Strategy and encourage seamless digital payments among international visitors. More recently, in July 2026, Emirates launched Crypto.com Pay, enabling eligible UAE residents to purchase flights using cryptocurrency through emirates.com and the Emirates app.

Industry analysts say aviation represents one of the most valuable sectors for card payments, making Emirates' adoption of Jaywan an important milestone for the national payment scheme. As more airlines, hotels and travel companies embrace locally developed financial technologies, consumers are likely to benefit from greater payment choice, enhanced convenience and more competitive travel rewards.