The Emirates Group reported a record profit for the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, marking the fourth consecutive year of half-year profitability gains. The airline and travel services conglomerate posted a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) and a profit after tax of AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), a 13 percent increase from the previous year.

Revenue for the Group rose 4 percent to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3 percent from the same period last year. Cash reserves increased to a record AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) at the end of September, supporting aircraft deliveries, debt servicing, and dividends. The Group also completed the final AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) dividend payout for the 2024-25 financial year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the results reflect strong customer demand and global travel resilience despite geopolitical and economic challenges. The Group’s workforce grew 3 percent to 124,927 employees to support expanding operations.

Emirates Airline

Emirates expanded its network to 153 airports across 81 countries and territories, launching services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, and increasing connectivity with 28 additional weekly flights to six cities. Five new A350 aircraft joined the fleet, while 23 aircraft underwent interior retrofits, extending the airline’s Premium Economy offering to 61 cities.

Passenger traffic rose 4 percent to 27.8 million, with an average seat factor of 79.5 percent. Emirates SkyCargo carried 1.25 million tonnes of freight, up 4 percent, while launching Emirates Courier Express for door-to-door shipping. Airline profit before tax reached AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up from AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Revenue increased 6 percent to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), while operating costs grew 4 percent.

The airline also invested in brand visibility through sponsorships with FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, the ATP Tour, and other sports properties. Environmental initiatives included sustainable aviation fuel usage at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium.

dnata

dnata recorded half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), a 13 percent increase, and profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17 percent. Profit after tax rose 22 percent to AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), with EBITDA reaching AED 1.4 billion (US$ 372 million).

Airport services remained the largest revenue contributor at AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), supported by 450,903 aircraft turns and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo handled. Flight catering and retail operations grew 11 percent to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), while travel services revenue increased 11 percent to AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million).

dnata made strategic investments, including 800 new ground support equipment units valued at US$ 110 million, expanded its airport hospitality brand in the U.K., and acquired a minority stake in WonderMiles, a booking platform. The company also entered sports sponsorship, supporting Dubai Basketball.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.