Etihad Airways Becomes First Airline to Accept UAE Domestic Jaywan Card Payments

Etihad Airways has become the first airline to integrate Jaywan, the UAE’s domestic card scheme, into its direct booking platform. For fintech professionals, this move signals a major milestone in the UAE’s sovereign payment infrastructure, demonstrating how national card schemes can successfully penetrate high-value merchant sectors like aviation to challenge international payment giants.

What was announced

Etihad Airways has officially integrated Jaywan card payments into its website, etihad.com. This allows UAE-based passengers to book flights across the airline’s entire global route network using the domestic card scheme. The integration follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Etihad and Al Etihad Payments in October last year, marking a transition from strategic agreement to live implementation.

Beyond standard transaction capabilities, the partnership introduces specific tiers of benefits for the loyalty ecosystem. Etihad Guest members who hold Jaywan Royal cards are slated to receive exclusive discounts on "Comfort" and "Deluxe" fares. These cardholders will also gain access to priority benefits, further embedding the domestic payment method into the travel experience. The payment option is currently live at the checkout stage for all direct bookings made through the carrier's website.

This rollout is part of a wider national effort to distribute Jaywan cards through banks and licensed financial institutions across the Emirates. By adopting the scheme, Etihad aligns its digital payment strategy with the UAE’s broader economic goals of financial sovereignty and digital transformation. The airline is the first in the industry to support this specific domestic scheme for flight purchases, setting a precedent for other regional carriers and large-scale merchants operating within the Middle Eastern market. The Jaywan scheme itself, operated by Al Etihad Payments, was officially launched in July 2026 to serve local needs and everyday payment utility.

"Being the first airline to accept Jaywan payments is a proud moment reflecting our commitment to deliver greater choice and convenience for our guests, while rewarding loyal travellers. This is the first step in our partnership with Al Etihad Payments, and a demonstration of how closely Etihad is aligned with the UAE’s strategic growth and integration across sectors."

Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways.

The companies involved

Al Etihad Payments (AEP) is a key architect of the UAE’s financial infrastructure. Operating as a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the organization is tasked with developing and managing national payment systems that reduce reliance on international networks for domestic transactions. Its primary product, Jaywan, was officially launched in July 2026 as a domestic card scheme designed to meet the specific needs of the local market while ensuring high levels of security and efficiency. The scheme is currently being rolled out nationwide through various licensed financial institutions.

Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, operates a vast international network from its hub in Abu Dhabi. As a major player in the global aviation sector, its adoption of local fintech solutions is a significant endorsement of the UAE's digital economy. The Central Bank of the UAE oversees the entire financial sector, ensuring stability and driving the "Financial Infrastructure Transformation" program, of which Al Etihad Payments and the Jaywan scheme are central components. Together, these entities are working to create a more integrated digital payment landscape that serves both individual consumers and large-scale corporate entities within the region.

What FF News has reported before

The UAE’s digital payment landscape has seen rapid evolution throughout 2026, with several major players launching localized financial solutions. In August, FF News reported that the Commercial Bank of Dubai Becomes First UAE Bank to Launch Multi-Bank Payment Initiation, marking a shift toward open banking standards. This followed the launch of a Specialized UAE Business Account for SMEs by Pemo in partnership with Ruya. The aviation sector specifically has been a focal point for payment innovation; in July, Emirates Launches Crypto.com Pay for Flight Bookings in the UAE, highlighting the appetite for alternative payment methods. Additionally, the integration of Botim for Seamless Crypto Funding by MultiBank Group further illustrates the region's push toward a diversified and tech-forward financial ecosystem.

What this means

The adoption of Jaywan by a major international carrier like Etihad is a direct challenge to the dominance of global card schemes in the UAE. For a domestic scheme to be viable, it requires "anchor" merchants that handle high-volume, high-value transactions; aviation is the ultimate test case for this. This move places pressure on other regional airlines and large retailers to follow suit or risk appearing out of step with national digital priorities. However, the long-term success of Jaywan depends on whether the promised "Royal" benefits can truly compete with the established rewards programs of international premium cards. It raises a critical question for the sector: can a domestic scheme provide enough utility to displace entrenched global players in the eyes of high-spending frequent flyers?