The Emirates Group has announced a record-breaking half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, marking the fourth consecutive year of record half-year profitability.
After accounting for income tax, the Group’s profit after tax rose 13% to AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), up 3% from the same period last year.
Group revenue increased 4% to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion) compared to AED 70.8 billion (US$ 19.3 billion) in the previous year.
The Emirates Group also reported a record cash position of AED 56 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) at the end of September 2025, up from AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion) in March.
The Group has utilized these strong reserves to support new aircraft deliveries, service existing debt, and pay the remaining AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) of dividends to its owner, from the AED 6 billion declared in 2024-25.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said
“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing last year’s half-year results 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 period.”
He noted that the performance was driven by strong demand and growing customer preference for Emirates’ products and services.
Sheikh Ahmed added that the Group’s robust profitability enables continued investments in innovation, technology, and employee welfare, all central to delivering superior customer experiences.
To support its growth, Emirates Group increased its workforce by 3%, reaching 124,927 employees as of 30 September 2025. Recruitment continues across Emirates and dnata to meet future operational requirements.
Emirates strengthened its network through Dubai, launching flights to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.
Additional weekly flights were added to Antananarivo, Johannesburg, Muscat, Rome, Riyadh, and Taipei. Emirates now serves 153 airports in 81 countries.
The airline received five new A350 aircraft and completed 23 aircraft retrofits during the first half of 2025-26, expanding Business Class and Premium Economy seats. Emirates Premium Economy is now available on flights between Dubai and 61 cities.
On-ground enhancements included the launch of Emirates First at Dubai Airport and the opening of new travel retail stores in Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore. Environmental initiatives also progressed, with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) being used at 37 airports.
Emirates signed multi-year sponsorship deals with FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, the Investec Champions Cup, and the EPCR Challenge Cup. Partnerships with ATP and Olympique Lyonnais were extended through 2030.
During the period, Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers, up 4%, with an average seat factor of 79.5%. SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes, also up 4%. Cargo yields decreased slightly by 6% due to softening demand in some markets. The division also launched Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door express service leveraging its global network.
Emirates’ half-year profit before tax reached AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), compared to AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Profit after tax rose 13% to AED 9.9 billion (US$ 2.7 billion). Revenue climbed 6% to AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), with operating costs growing 4%. EBITDA was AED 19.7 billion (US$ 5.4 billion), up 3%.
dnata Performance
dnata achieved a record half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), up 13%, with profit after tax of AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), up 22%. Airport operations grew 15% in aircraft turns to 450,903, handling 1.59 million tonnes of cargo, while flight catering and retail revenue rose 11% to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). The travel division revenue increased 11% to AED 2 billion (US$ 538 million).
dnata deployed 800 new ground support equipment units globally, invested in the WonderMiles booking platform, launched the marhaba hospitality brand in the UK, and entered sports sponsorship with Dubai Basketball.