The Dubai-based airline cements its status as the world’s most profitable carrier for H1 2025, reporting a Dh12.2 billion profit before tax on the back of robust global travel demand.
DUBAI: The Emirates Group has announced an unprecedented profit of Dh12.2 billion ($3.3 billion) before tax for the first half of its 2025-26 financial year, marking its fourth straight year of record-breaking performance for the six-month period.
The stellar results, released on Thursday, solidify Emirates Airline’s position as the world’s most profitable airline for the first half of 2025. After tax, the Group’s profit stood at Dh10.6 billion, a 13% increase from the same period last year.
Financial Highlights: A Robust Performance
The Group’s flagship carrier, Emirates airline, was the primary driver of this growth. Key financial figures for the airline include:
- Profit before tax: Dh11.4 billion (up from Dh9.7 billion last year)
- Profit after tax: Dh9.9 billion (a 13% year-on-year increase)
- Revenue: Dh65.6 billion, a 6% rise, fueled by sustained travel demand.
- EBITDA: Dh19.7 billion, up 3%.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, attributed the success to strong customer preference and strategic investments.
“This performance was primarily driven by the unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “The Group’s strong profitability enables us to continue making these investments, and to scale up our proven business models in concert with Dubai’s growth.”
Strategic Expansion and Fleet Modernization
Emirates is strategically channeling its profits into growth and enhancing its customer offering. Key initiatives during the reporting period included:
- Network Growth: Adding 28 weekly flights to destinations like Johannesburg, Rome, Riyadh, and Taipei.
- Fleet Renewal: Taking delivery of five new A350 aircraft, featuring more Premium Economy and Business Class seats.
- Retrofit Programme: Rolling out 23 aircraft (6 A380s and 17 Boeing 777s) with fully refreshed interiors as part of its multi-billion-dollar cabin upgrade program.
- Premium Economy Expansion: The popular Premium Economy seats are now available on 61 routes.
The Group’s air services provider, dnata, also reported strong growth, with a profit before tax of Dh843 million, up 17% from the previous year.
With global travel demand remaining resilient, Emirates is poised for continued growth as it integrates new aircraft and expands its global connectivity.
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