Emirates Introduces Multi Method Split Payment System in Kenya to Expand Access to International Air Travel

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched a split-payment solution in Kenya in partnership with Cellulant, allowing customers to combine multiple payment methods or stagger payments when booking flights online. Powered by the Tingg payment gateway, the feature enables travellers to stay within mobile money transaction limits while completing higher-value purchases such as international airline tickets. The solution supports mobile money, mobile banking and card payments and allows up to five instalments within 24 hours. The launch aligns with strong demand for travel on the Dubai–Nairobi route and coincides with Emirates’ introduction of a third daily flight, while the airline plans to expand the payment solution to other African markets.

(PRESS RELEASE) NAIROBI, Kenya, 2026-Feb-25 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates has introduced a new split-payment option for travellers in Kenya through its long-standing partnership with Cellulant, expanding payment flexibility for customers booking flights online. The new capability is powered by Tingg, Cellulant’s payment gateway, and allows passengers to divide ticket payments across several methods or instalments. Following its launch in Kenya, the solution is expected to be introduced in additional African markets in the near future.

The split-payment functionality is available on the Emirates website and enables travellers to combine different payment options including mobile money services, mobile banking and locally issued debit or credit cards. Customers can also complete transactions through a staged process, making an initial payment followed by up to four additional payments within a 24-hour period. This structure allows customers to complete purchases while remaining within daily transaction limits imposed by payment providers.

Cellulant Chief Product and Technology Officer Michael Muriuki noted that mobile money is the preferred payment method for a large share of African consumers and that integrating these options into airline bookings makes international travel purchases more accessible. By enabling multi-channel payments through Tingg, the system helps customers complete higher-value transactions without being constrained by transaction caps.

Emirates Country Manager for Kenya Christophe Leloup highlighted the importance of Kenya as a key market within the airline’s global network and emphasized the company’s focus on improving the booking experience. The introduction of split payments is intended to give travellers greater flexibility while making it easier for more customers to access Emirates’ services.

Mobile money plays a central role in Africa’s financial ecosystem, with hundreds of millions of users and transaction volumes exceeding one trillion US dollars annually. However, transaction limits often prevent customers from completing large purchases such as international airline tickets. The new payment feature directly addresses this limitation by allowing bookings to be completed through multiple payments that remain within permitted thresholds.

The split-payment solution complements Emirates’ existing financing and payment options in Kenya, which include mobile payment platforms such as M-Pesa and Safaricom services as well as mobile banking transfers through partner banks via Cellulant. Across Africa, Emirates and Cellulant provide payment and financing solutions in 14 markets including South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

The introduction of the new payment feature coincides with the airline’s expansion of services between Dubai and Nairobi. Beginning 1 March 2026, Emirates will operate a third daily flight on the route, increasing capacity in response to strong passenger demand and high load factors on existing services. The combination of increased capacity and locally adapted payment options is designed to make international travel more accessible to Kenyan customers.

About Cellulant

Cellulant is Africa’s leading payments company, providing seamless, secure, and innovative solutions that empower businesses, banks, and global brands to thrive in a fast-changing global economy.

With a presence in over 24 countries and support for more than 200 payment methods, including cards, bank transfers, and mobile money, our single API payment platform, Tingg, streamlines collections, disbursements, and reconciliations. It processes over 4.5 million transactions daily for market leaders across various sectors, including Travel & Hospitality, Telecoms, E-commerce, Ride-Hailing, Trade, and Remittances.

By simplifying how people pay and get paid, we drive trust, commerce, and scale, connecting companies and people to their ambitions.

Media contact:
pr@emirates.com

SOURCE: The Emirates Group