Etihad Airways has enabled Jaywan as a payment method on its website, making it the first airline to accept the UAE’s national domestic card scheme for flight bookings.
The integration, available now across Etihad’s full route network, applies to all bookings made directly through etihad.com.
Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. The scheme officially launched in July 2026, with banks and licensed financial institutions continuing to roll out the card nationwide.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding in October last year, and the payment integration is the first concrete output of that partnership.
The announcement also signals what’s coming next: Etihad Guest members holding Jaywan Royal cards will receive exclusive fare discounts on Comfort and Deluxe fares, as well as priority access benefits. Those perks have not yet gone live but are described as coming soon.
“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. UAE-based guests can now book with us using a payment method built specifically for them, and it’s a move towards a broader offering that will soon reward our Etihad Guest members holding Jaywan Royal cards with exclusive fare discounts and priority benefits,” Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways said in a statement.
“A strong cardholder proposition is an important part of how Jaywan delivers value as the UAE’s domestic card scheme. 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. Everyday payment utility combined with benefits that matter to customers in the UAE is what the Jaywan proposition is built around,” Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments added.
For UAE-based travellers, the card is selectable at checkout on etihad.com today.
