Emirates Group reported record profit, revenue and cash reserves for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, despite regional air traffic disruptions during the final month of the reporting period.
The group posted profit before tax of Dhs24.4 billion, up 7 per cent from the previous year, while revenue rose 3 per cent to Dhs150.5 billion, according to its latest annual report. Cash assets increased 12 per cent to Dhs59.6 billion.
Emirates airline remained the world’s most profitable airline during the reporting period, recording profit before tax of Dhs22.8 billion and revenue of Dhs130.9 billion.
dnata reported profit before tax of Dhs1.6 billion, with revenue rising 12 per cent to Dhs23.6 billion.
Flight disruptions
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said regional military activity affected operations late in the financial year.
“On 28 February, military activity massively disrupted global commercial air traffic in the Gulf region, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata quickly mobilised to support our people and affected customers, protect our assets, and ensure business continuity,” he said.
He added that operations at Dubai International Airport were gradually restored, although passenger capacity remains below pre-disruption levels.
Fleet expansion
During the year, Emirates added four new destinations including Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen, expanding its network to 152 cities in 80 countries.
The airline also received 15 Airbus A350 aircraft and continued its fleet retrofit programme. By the end of March, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft.
At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced aircraft orders worth $41.4 billion for additional Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Passenger traffic
Emirates carried 53.2 million passengers during 2025-26, while cargo operations transported 2.4 million tonnes of goods worldwide.
The airline’s passenger seat factor stood at 78.4 per cent, slightly lower than the previous year.
Emirates SkyCargo expanded its freighter network to 44 destinations and added five Boeing 777 freighters during the year.
Workforce growth
The Emirates Group workforce increased 8 per cent to 130,919 employees. The number of UAE nationals employed by the group surpassed 4,000.
The group invested Dhs17.9 billion in aircraft, facilities, equipment and technology during the financial year.
Future outlook
Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Right now, military activities between the US, Israel and Iran are paused under a ceasefire agreement. We hope for a clear resolution to the hostilities soon, and a return to market stability.”
He added that the group would continue investing in fleet expansion, facilities and customer services while maintaining strong cash reserves.
The Emirates Group also declared a dividend of Dhs3.5 billion to the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
