Emirates Group Sets New Half-Year Profit Record for 2025–26
The Emirates Group has reported a new half-year financial record, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of the 2025–26 financial year. The result marks the Group’s fourth consecutive year of record-breaking half-year performance.
Profit after tax stood at AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), up 13 per cent from the same period last year, while revenue rose to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), reflecting strong global demand for air travel and customer preference for Emirates’ premium services. The Group closed the period with a record cash balance of AED 56.0 billion.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, attributed the performance to sustained travel demand, strategic investments, and continued customer confidence. “The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing last year’s results. Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this reporting period,” he said.
Emirates recorded a new half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up 17 per cent, with revenue increasing 6 per cent to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion). The airline carried 27.8 million passengers, introduced new routes to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, and expanded weekly services in key markets.
The airline took delivery of five Airbus A350 aircraft and completed interior refurbishments on 23 aircraft under its US$ 5 billion retrofit project, enabling wider deployment of its Premium Economy product. On the ground, Emirates opened a new private check-in facility for First Class customers at Dubai International Airport, and rolled out new retail travel stores across major global cities.
dnata achieved record half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), a 13 per cent increase from last year, driven by growth in airport operations, catering, retail and travel services. Profit before tax rose 17 per cent to AED 843 million (US$ 230 million). The company also invested in 800 new ground support equipment units to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
The Group expects continued demand growth for the remainder of 2025–26, supported by the arrival of new A350 aircraft and the expansion of dnata facilities. Recruitment has also increased, with the Group’s workforce growing to 124,927 employees.
Despite geopolitical and economic headwinds, Emirates says appetite for global travel remains strong and will continue to support revenue growth.
