**Emirates Group Reports Record Half-Year Profits for 2025-26**
The Emirates Group has announced a new record for its half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED12.2 billion (US$3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for this reporting period.
After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax stands at AED10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion), up 13% from last year. The Group’s robust operating performance is further illustrated by an EBITDA of AED21.1 billion (US$5.7 billion), 3% higher than the AED20.4 billion (US$5.6 billion) reported for the same period last year.
**Revenue and Cash Reserves Surge**
Group revenue reached AED75.4 billion (US$20.6 billion) for the first half of 2025-26, up 4% from AED70.8 billion (US$19.3 billion) last year. The Group ended the first half of the financial year with a record cash position of AED56.0 billion (US$15.2 billion) as of September 30, 2025, compared to AED53.4 billion (US$14.6 billion) on March 31, 2025. This strong cash reserve has supported new aircraft deliveries, funding for business needs, and servicing existing debt obligations.
During this period, the Group paid the remaining AED2 billion (US$545 million) in dividends to its owner, part of the AED6 billion (US$1.6 billion) declared in 2024-25.
**Leadership Remarks**
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, commented:
> “The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025-26. Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period, driven by unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our products and services.”
He added that ongoing investments in innovation, technology, and employee welfare remain central to the Group’s strategy, enabling further expansion in line with Dubai’s role as a global city.
**Emirates’ Expanded Network and Operations**
To facilitate its growing operations, the Emirates Group’s employee base increased by 3% to 124,927 as of September 30, 2025. Both Emirates and dnata continue active recruitment drives to support future growth.
During the first half of 2025-26, Emirates launched new flight services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, expanding its passenger and cargo network to 153 airports in 81 countries. The airline added 28 weekly flights to Antananarivo, Johannesburg, Muscat, Rome, Riyadh, and Taipei, and entered new codeshare agreements with Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny.
Between April and September, Emirates received five new A350 aircraft, increasing premium cabin capacity. Additionally, 23 retrofitted aircraft (6 A380s, 17 Boeing 777s) introduced the latest cabin products to new markets, including the industry-leading Emirates Premium Economy, now available on 61 city routes.
The new “Emirates First” at Dubai Airport offers First Class and Platinum Skywards members an exclusive private check-in experience. Emirates also expanded its retail strategy, opening concept travel stores in Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.
**Strategic Sponsorships and Brand Visibility**
Emirates invested heavily in global brand visibility, announcing multi-year sponsorships with FC Bayern München, Real Madrid Basketball, European Professional Club Rugby, and extending partnerships with ATP and Olympique Lyonnais. These partnerships reinforce the airline’s brand presence in sports and global travel.
**Growth in Passenger and Cargo Volumes**
Overall capacity grew by 5% to 31.3 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM), with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) and Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) also increasing by 5% and 4%, respectively. The average Passenger Seat Factor was 79.5%, compared to last year’s 80.0%.
Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers between April and September 2025, up 4% year-on-year. Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes (up 4%), supported by three new Boeing 777 freighters. Despite steady demand, cargo yields declined by 6% amidst tariff challenges. April saw the launch of Emirates Courier Express, offering door-to-door express shipping services for businesses.
**dnata’s Strong Performance and Strategic Investments**
dnata continued its growth trajectory, ramping up operations in cargo handling, catering, retail, and travel services. Several significant contracts were won across international divisions, and strategic investments included the deployment of 800 new ground support equipment units (US$110 million), enhancing operational performance and supporting sustainability goals.
Key highlights from dnata during the first half of 2025-26:
– Launch of airport hospitality brand “marhaba” in the UK.
– €3 million minority stake investment in WonderMiles to strengthen dnata Travel’s corporate business.
– Disposal of its 75% stake in Super Bus (UAE sightseeing tours).
– First major sports sponsorship with Dubai Basketball.
dnata’s revenue, including other operating income, rose to AED11.7 billion (US$3.2 billion), up 13% year-on-year. Profit before tax reached AED843 million (US$230 million), up 17%, and profit after tax was AED697 million (US$190 million), up 22%. EBITDA climbed to AED1.4 billion (US$372 million), up 5% from last year.
dnata’s airport operations remained its largest revenue contributor, generating AED5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion), a 15% increase. Aircraft turns handled reached 450,903 (up 15%), and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo were processed (up 3%).
Flight catering and retail brought in AED4.1 billion (US$1.1 billion), up 11%. However, the total number of meals uplifted decreased slightly by 1% year-on-year to 60 million.
The travel division delivered AED2.0 billion (US$538 million) in revenue, up 11%, with total transactional value surging by 9% to AED5.0 billion (US$1.4 billion).
**Emirates Sets New Airline Profit Record**
Emirates cemented its position as the most profitable airline for the half-year period, posting profit before tax of AED11.4 billion (US$3.1 billion), compared to AED9.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) last year. Profit after tax was AED9.9 billion (US$2.7 billion), up 13%. Revenue, including other operating income, stood at AED65.6 billion (US$17.9 billion), up 6%.
Operating costs grew by 4%, fuel remaining the largest component at 30%. Emirates’ strong EBITDA of AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion) increased by 3%. Emirates Flight Catering revenue from external customers rose 13% to AED555 million (US$151 million), with 7.7 million meals uplifted for 116 airlines, up by 2%.
Emirates Leisure Retail acquired the remaining 25% stake in Air Ventures LLC (US), gaining full ownership of its airport retail and F&B operations.
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**Looking Ahead**
Fueled by resilient global demand for air transport and travel services, Emirates and dnata anticipate continued growth for the remainder of the financial year. As new A350 aircraft join the Emirates fleet and dnata expands its facilities and equipment, both companies are well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities and maintain their record-setting momentum.
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