Emirates Group Achieves Unprecedented AED 24.4 Billion Profit for 2025-26

The Emirates Group has revealed remarkable financial achievements for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reporting its highest profit, revenue, and cash reserves, despite significant disruptions caused by regional tensions.

For the year ending March 31, 2026, the Dubai-based aviation powerhouse recorded a staggering profit before tax of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion), an increase of 7% from the previous year. The Group's revenue also reached an all-time high of AED 150.5 billion (US$ 41 billion), rising by 3% year-on-year.

Cash reserves surged by 12% to AED 59.6 billion (US$ 16.2 billion), and EBITDA stood tall at AED 41.1 billion (US$ 11.2 billion), underscoring exceptional operational effectiveness.

After factoring in the UAE’s new corporate tax rate of 15% from the Pillar Two regulations, Emirates Group reported a profit after tax of AED 21 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), which is also a 3% year-on-year increase.

Emirates Takes the Lead as World's Most Profitable Airline

Throughout the 2025-26 period, Emirates airline held its title as the world's most profitable airline.

The airline marked a record profit before tax of AED 22.8 billion (US$ 6.2 billion), showcasing a 7% rise and a solid profit margin of 17.4%.

Revenue saw a 2% increase, reaching AED 130.9 billion (US$ 35.7 billion), with cash assets peaking at AED 54.9 billion (US$ 15 billion).

Emirates welcomed 53.2 million passengers during the year, maintaining a passenger seat factor of 78.4%. The demand for travel and premium offerings led to a 4% rise in passenger yield.

Meanwhile, Emirates SkyCargo transported 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, reflecting a 3% annual increase and generating AED 16.2 billion in revenue.

Challenges Amidst Gulf Tensions

Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum indicated that impressive results were achieved despite military engagements in the Gulf that affected global air traffic in February 2026.

He added that Emirates and dnata promptly supported passengers, safeguarded operations, and reinstated services at Dubai International Airport. Though passenger capacity still lags behind pre-disruption levels, cargo operations have ramped up to facilitate essential goods movement.

Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that the Group's robust business structure, focus on infrastructure, technology, customer service, and workforce have been pivotal in navigating these challenges.

Investments and Fleet Growth

During 2025-26, the Emirates Group invested AED 17.9 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) towards aircraft, technology enhancements, and facility improvements to bolster future development.

Emirates integrated 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft into its fleet and set up services to four new destinations: Da Nang, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Siem Reap.

By March 2026, Emirates connected to 152 cities across 80 nations, expanding its partnerships to cover over 1,700 global destinations.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates committed to aircraft acquisitions valued at US$ 41.4 billion, including orders for 65 Boeing 777-9 and eight additional Airbus A350-900 jets.

The airline's total fleet was composed of 277 aircraft with an average age of 10.8 years.

dnata's Positive Growth

dnata also marked impressive growth across its services.

The aviation and travel service entity reported a record profit before tax of AED 1.6 billion (US$ 437 million), a 2% uptick from last year.

Revenue rose by 12% to AED 23.6 billion (US$ 6.4 billion), while cash assets increased by 28% to AED 4.7 billion (US$ 1.3 billion).

dnata handled almost 889,000 aircraft turns globally and processed 3.2 million tonnes of cargo this year.

The company also expanded its operations through investment in airport facilities, catering, and cargo infrastructures in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Workforce Growth and Future Prospects

The Emirates Group workforce swelled by 8%, reaching 130,919 employees globally, with UAE national staff exceeding 4,000.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Ahmed expressed confidence in the Group's financial footing despite continuing geopolitical unpredictabilities in the Middle East.

He reassured that Emirates is well-prepared against fuel price volatility until 2028-29, with ongoing investments in aircraft, upgrades, customer experiences, and operational expansion.

The Group also declared a dividend payout of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 1 billion) to its proprietor, the Investment Corporation of Dubai.

Sustainability and Community Efforts

In the 2025-26 period, the Emirates Group advanced its sustainable initiatives, investing in research for sustainable aviation fuels, electric ground vehicles, and waste reduction programs.

Additionally, the Group supported numerous community projects globally, focusing on education, medical services, youth sports, and food donation initiatives.