Emirates Group sets new half-year profit record, retains title as World’s most profitable airline

The Emirates Group has reported another record-breaking half-year performance for 2025-26, achieving a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) — a 17% increase from the same period last year. Group revenue rose 4% to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), marking the fourth consecutive year of record half-year profits.

Emirates: Record Profit Driven by Strong Premium Demand

Emirates Airline posted a new record half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up 17% year-on-year, on revenues of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion) — up 6%. The results reflect strong travel demand across all regions and sustained preference for Emirates’ premium cabins.

Between April and September 2025, Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers, up 4%, with a seat factor of 79.5%. The airline also transported 1.25 million tonnes of cargo, while its retrofit programme saw 23 aircraft (including six A380s) emerge with refreshed interiors and expanded Premium Economy availability across 61 cities.

Emirates continued network expansion with new routes to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, and strengthened connectivity through 28 additional weekly flights to key destinations. New partnerships with Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny further boosted global reach.

Emirates also advanced its sustainability initiatives, uplifting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium. Brand investments included new multi-year sponsorships with FC Bayern München, Real Madrid Basketball, and ATP Tour (extended to 2030).

dnata: Record Revenue and Profit

dnata achieved its highest-ever half-year revenue, reaching AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) — up 13% — with a profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17%. Growth was driven by robust demand across airport operations, catering, retail, and travel services.

Key developments included:

• Expansion of ground handling operations in Italy, Australia, the UK, and UAE (+15% aircraft turns).
• Launch of the marhaba hospitality brand in the UK.
• Strategic investment in WonderMiles, an NDC-enabled booking platform.
• A new three-year sports sponsorship as Founding Partner of Dubai Basketball.

Financial Strength and Future Outlook

The Group closed September 2025 with a record cash balance of AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) and an EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion).

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said:

“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a new record profit for H1 2025-26. Emirates remains the world’s most profitable airline this half year — a testament to the enduring demand for our products and services.”

He added that Emirates’ strong financial position supports continued investment in new aircraft, technology, and innovation, aligned with Dubai’s growth as a global hub for tourism and business.

The Emirates Group expects demand to remain resilient through the second half of 2025-26, with growth driven by new A350 deliveries, expanded dnata facilities, and continued network development.