Emirates Group H1 Revenue Hits Record $20.6 Billion, Up 4%
Strong Financial Performance for 2025-26
The Emirates Group has reported its fourth consecutive year of record profitability, achieving AED 75.4 billion (US$20.6 billion) in revenue for the first half of the fiscal year 2025-26. This figure represents a 4% increase from AED 70.8 billion (US$19.3 billion) during the same period last year.
In terms of profitability, the group recorded a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$3.3 billion). Additionally, profit after tax surged by 13%, reaching AED 10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion). The group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also marked a noteworthy increase, totaling AED 21.1 billion (US$5.7 billion)—a 3% rise from AED 20.4 billion (US$5.6 billion) reported previously.
Financial Resilience and Cash Position
Emirates closed the first half of 2025-26 with a substantial cash position of AED 56 billion (US$15.2 billion), a slight increase from AED 53.4 billion (US$14.6 billion) as of March 31, 2025. This robust cash reserve empowers the group to support ongoing business needs, including the funding of new aircraft deliveries and servicing existing debt obligations.
Emirates Airline itself achieved a record profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$3.1 billion), reflecting a 17% increase, while revenues surged by 6% to AED 65.6 billion (US$17.9 billion). Dnata, the group’s ground handling and catering division, also saw significant growth, posting a profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$230 million), a substantial 17% increase year-on-year, with revenue reaching AED 11.7 billion (US$3.2 billion), marking a 13% rise.
Leadership Insights
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the extraordinary performance of the Group, stating, “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.” He highlighted that Emirates remains the world’s most profitable airline for this reporting period.
“This performance was primarily driven by the unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services,” Sheikh Ahmed continued. He added that the group’s consistent investments in enhancing service quality and operational efficiency are integral to their success.
Strategic Expansion and Fleet Growth
Looking ahead, Sheikh Ahmed noted the ongoing strong global demand for air transport, even amid economic fluctuations in some regions. He expects this demand to persist in the latter part of 2025-26, driven by the integration of new A350 aircraft into the Emirates fleet and the expansion of dnata’s facilities.
As part of its strategic growth, the Emirates Group’s workforce increased to 124,927 employees as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a 3% rise compared to March 31 of this year.
In the first half of the fiscal year, Emirates expanded its connectivity with the introduction of new flight services to destinations such as Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. The airline’s passenger and cargo network now spans 153 airports across 81 countries and territories, enriched by an increase of 28 additional weekly scheduled flights to key cities.
Increased Capacity and Operations
Overall operational capacity in the first six months of this fiscal year increased by 5%, reaching 31.3 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM). Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) rose by the same percentage, while Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) increased by 4%. Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers during this period, marking a 4% growth year-on-year.
On the cargo side, Emirates SkyCargo added three new Boeing 777 freighters and transported 1.25 million tonnes in the first half of the year, also reflecting a 4% increase. However, the division experienced a decline in cargo yields of 6%, attributed to softened demand in certain market segments amid tariff concerns.
For dnata, airport operations have remained the largest revenue contributor, generating AED 5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion)—a 15% increase year-on-year. The number of aircraft turns handled surged by 15% to 450,903, bolstered by newly launched operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The division handled 1.59 million tonnes of cargo.
Catering and Travel Operations Growth
Dnata’s flight catering and retail operations generated AED 4.1 billion (US$1.1 billion) in revenue, reflecting an 11% increase, despite a slight 1% decrease in the total number of meals uplifted to 60 million.
The travel division contributed AED 2 billion (US$538 million) to revenue, up 11% compared to AED 1.8 billion (US$483 million) in the previous year. Furthermore, the total transactional value increased by 9% to AED 5 billion (US$1.4 billion), demonstrating a strong recovery in travel demand.
Published on 1762418175 • Category: Transport,Aviation,Dnata,Dubai,Emirates Airline,Emirates Group,UAE