Top Airline Sees $3.3 Billion Profit in First Half of 2025

DUBAI– The Emirates Group (EK) has announced an impressive profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$3.3 billion) for the first half of the financial year 2025-26. This marks the fourth consecutive year of remarkable half-year results for the Group.

After factoring in income tax, the net profit reached AED 10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion), reflecting a 13% increase year-on-year. These results showcase the Group’s solid financial performance, fueled by strong passenger demand and operational efficiency across both Emirates Airline (EK) and dnata.

World’s Most Profitable Airline

The Emirates Group’s revenue surged to AED 75.4 billion (US$20.6 billion) during the initial six months of 2025-26, a 4% increase from AED 70.8 billion (US$19.3 billion) the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA also rose by 3%, reaching AED 21.1 billion (US$5.7 billion), showcasing its underlying profitability.

Ending the period with a remarkable cash balance of AED 56 billion (US$15.2 billion), the Group is well-positioned for continued investments in fleet expansion, repaying debts, and developing infrastructure.

According to Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the stellar performance can be attributed to ongoing global travel demand and the strong preference for Emirates’ services. He reiterated plans to boost capacity with the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft and an expansion of operations at dnata in critical areas.

The Group also expanded its workforce by 3%, reaching 124,927 employees by September 2025 to support operational growth and meet increasing demand.

Emirates Airline: Record Profit

Emirates Airline (EK) reported a remarkable half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$3.1 billion). This impressive figure is a significant increase from AED 9.7 billion (US$2.6 billion) recorded last year.

Its profit after tax also grew by 13% to AED 9.9 billion (US$2.7 billion), with revenue rising 6% to AED 65.6 billion (US$17.9 billion). Such growth was bolstered by high passenger volumes and strong demand for premium cabins.

In the first half of 2025-26, Emirates launched new routes to Danang (DAD), Siem Reap (REP), Shenzhen (SZX), and Hangzhou (HGH), enhancing its network to 153 airports across 81 countries. The airline added more weekly flights to key destinations, including Antananarivo (TNR), Johannesburg (JNB), Muscat (MCT), Rome (FCO), Riyadh (RUH), and Taipei (TPE).

The operational capacity of the airline increased by 5% to 31.3 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM). Passenger numbers reached 27.8 million, marking a 4% rise from the same period last year, with an average seat factor of 79.5%. Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes, showing consistent demand even with softer cargo yields.

Fleet expansion remained a priority. Emirates welcomed five new Airbus A350s and refurbished 23 aircraft as part of its US$5 billion retrofit initiative to enhance onboard comfort, introducing Premium Economy to 61 routes. At the same time, Emirates inaugurated a new “Emirates First” check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB), further improving the premium travel experience.

Marketing efforts also intensified with new sponsorships, including collaborations with FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, and the ATP Tour. Additionally, Emirates pursued environmental objectives by adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at 37 airports while joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium to promote sustainable practices in aviation.

dnata: Record Revenue and Global Expansion

dnata reached a record half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$3.2 billion), a 13% rise from the previous year. Profit before tax increased by 17% to AED 843 million (US$230 million), while EBITDA reached AED 1.4 billion (US$372 million).

The company’s airport operations contributed AED 5.5 billion (US$1.5 billion), benefiting from growth in regions such as Italy, Australia, the UK, and the UAE.

dnata handled 450,903 aircraft turns—an increase of 15%—and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo, driven by an expansion of operations which includes new initiatives at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).

Revenue from catering and retail grew by 11% to AED 4.1 billion (US$1.1 billion), backed by rising demand in Australia and the UK, alongside contract adjustments for cost variations. The travel division recorded AED 2.0 billion (US$538 million) in revenue.

Strategic investments included injecting US$110 million into 800 new ground support equipment units, launching the marhaba brand in the UK, and acquiring a minority stake in WonderMiles to enhance digital travel services. dnata also made a significant move into sports sponsorship with its partnership with Dubai Basketball, reinforcing its brand presence.

Strong Outlook for 2025-26

The Emirates Group anticipates ongoing demand in global air travel for the remainder of 2025-26, despite challenges from geopolitical and economic factors.

Continued investments in fleet modernization, technology, and enhancing customer experiences are expected to bolster profitability for both Emirates and dnata.

This performance affirms Dubai’s status as a vital global aviation center and reinforces Emirates’ reputation as the world’s most profitable airline during this reporting period.