The Emirates Group has reported its strongest-ever financial performance for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with Emirates maintaining its status as the world’s most profitable airline despite disruptions caused by regional military tensions toward the end of the reporting period.
The aviation giant recorded a profit before tax of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), representing a 7 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Group revenue also climbed to a record AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion), while cash assets rose to AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion).
Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, described the results as proof of the company’s resilience and strong business strategy built on innovation, operational excellence, partnerships, and customer service.
According to him, the Group experienced strong demand across its operations for most of the financial year, with revenues and profit margins boosted by continuous investments in technology, staff development, products, and brand growth.
He noted, however, that military activity across the Gulf region on February 28 caused major disruptions to international commercial aviation, including flights within the United Arab Emirates. Despite the setback, Emirates and dnata quickly activated emergency measures to support passengers, protect assets, and sustain operations.
Sheikh Ahmed said the Group’s experience in handling global crises enabled it to respond effectively and recover swiftly. He praised employees for their commitment and professionalism during the challenging period.
As part of its long-term expansion plans, the Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) during the year in aircraft, modern facilities, equipment, and advanced technologies.
The company’s workforce also expanded by 8 per cent to 130,919 employees worldwide as Emirates and dnata increased recruitment to support growing operations. The number of UAE nationals employed by the Group surpassed 4,000 for the first time.
The Group stated that Emirates remains protected against fuel price volatility through hedging arrangements extending to the 2028/2029 fiscal year, while long-term supply agreements are in place to support operational stability.
Emirates currently operates flights to 152 cities across 80 countries and strengthened its global connectivity through 32 codeshare agreements and 117 interline partnerships, giving passengers access to more than 1,700 destinations worldwide.
During the 2025 Dubai Airshow, the airline announced additional fleet investments valued at US$41.4 billion, including orders for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft and eight Airbus A350-900 jets. Emirates’ total aircraft order book now stands at 367 planes scheduled for delivery through 2038.
The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, a slight 1 per cent decline from the previous year, while seat capacity also dropped marginally. Passenger seat occupancy stood at 78.4 per cent, compared to 78.9 per cent previously. However, passenger yield increased by 4 per cent.
Emirates also expanded its accessibility initiatives by launching a new “Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub” on its website to assist travellers with special accessibility needs. The airline additionally introduced sensory products and travel support programmes for children with autism and their families.
Its cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo, recorded strong growth by transporting 2.4 million tonnes of cargo globally, representing a 3 per cent increase year-on-year.
Meanwhile, dnata, the Group’s aviation and travel services subsidiary, posted a 12 per cent rise in revenue to a record AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion), driven by increased global travel demand, especially in markets such as the UAE, Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Emirates Airline Foundation also continued its humanitarian activities by supporting disadvantaged children worldwide through education, healthcare, shelter, and food programmes, while funding medical missions with over 500 flight tickets during the year.
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