Etihad becomes first airline to accept Jaywan for flight bookings

Etihad Airways has become the first airline to accept Jaywan, the UAE’s national domestic card scheme, as a payment option for flight bookings.

UAE-based customers can now use Jaywan cards to book Etihad flights directly through etihad.com across the airline’s global network.

The integration gives customers another payment option at checkout and forms part of Etihad’s partnership with Al Etihad Payments, the Central Bank of the UAE subsidiary that operates Jaywan.

“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,” said Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways.

“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.”

Potter added that UAE-based customers can now book flights using a payment method designed specifically for the domestic market. Etihad also plans to introduce additional benefits for Etihad Guest members who hold Jaywan Royal cards.

Jaywan Royal cardholders will soon receive exclusive discounts on Comfort and Deluxe fares, alongside priority access benefits.

Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said the partnership expands the practical uses available to Jaywan cardholders.

“Our partnership with Etihad Airways adds direct value as Jaywan cardholders can use their cards to book flights, and Jaywan Royal cardholders gain exclusive fare discounts and priority benefits,” Cianchetti said.

Jaywan, operated by Al Etihad Payments, is designed as a domestic payment card tailored to the needs of customers in the UAE. The scheme officially launched in July 2026, with banks and licensed financial institutions continuing to roll out cards across the country.

The latest integration follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Etihad Airways and Al Etihad Payments in October 2025.

The Jaywan payment option is now available to UAE-based customers booking through etihad.com and can be used for flights across Etihad’s full route network.