By Ayomide Otitoju
The Emirates Group has announced a new record half-year financial performance for the first six months of the 2025–26 financial year, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion), up 17% from the same period last year. Group revenue also rose 4% to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion), marking the company’s fourth consecutive year of record half-year profitability.
After income tax, the Group’s profit after tax stood at AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), a 13% increase from last year, while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3%. The Group ended the period with a record cash balance of AED 56 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) as of 30 September 2025, compared to AED 53.4 billion six months earlier.
Emirates recorded a new half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up 17% from last year, with revenue rising 6% to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion). The airline attributed its performance to strong global travel demand and customer preference for premium cabins.
Between April and September, Emirates expanded its route network to 153 airports in 81 countries, launching new services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. Passenger numbers grew 4% to 27.8 million, while cargo operations handled 1.25 million tonnes, also up 4%.
During the period, the airline took delivery of five new A350 aircraft, rolled out 23 refurbished planes under its US$ 5 billion retrofit programme, and introduced new Premium Economy routes to 61 destinations. Emirates also advanced sustainability efforts by uplifting sustainable aviation fuel at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC).
Group subsidiary dnata also reported a record half-year performance, with profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17% year-on-year, and revenue rising 13% to AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion).
Growth was driven by expanded operations across its cargo, ground handling, catering, retail, and travel services. dnata’s airport operations generated AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), up 15%, as flight handling increased 15% to 450,903 turns. Its flight catering and retail business contributed AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), while its travel division grew 11% to AED 2 billion (US$ 538 million).
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, hailed the results as a reflection of strong market demand and the Group’s consistent investment in innovation and customer experience.
“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing last year’s results to achieve a new record profit. Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this reporting period,” he said.
He added that the Group’s solid profitability allows continued investment in new aircraft, technology, and staff welfare, supporting Dubai’s growth as a global hub for talent, business, and tourism.
Despite geopolitical and economic challenges, Emirates Group expects continued demand resilience through the rest of 2025–26. The company plans to expand capacity further as new A350 aircraft join the Emirates fleet and dnata’s new facilities come online.
As of 30 September 2025, the Group’s workforce increased 3% to 124,927 employees, underscoring its growing operational scale and commitment to service excellence.
