Emirates Group Sets New Half-Year Profit Record as dnata Expands Global Ground Handling Operations

The Emirates Group has reported another strong performance for the first half of 2025–26, achieving a record profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion)—its fourth consecutive half-year of record results. Profit after tax reached AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion) as revenue rose 4% year over year to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion).

Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum credited the performance to continued demand for air travel, favorable fuel prices, and the Group’s ongoing investments in customer experience and innovation. He said Emirates remains the world’s most profitable airline for the reporting period, while dnata continues to grow as a leading global aviation services provider.

The Group maintained a strong EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion) and ended September with record cash reserves of AED 56 billion (US$ 15.2 billion). Employment grew 3% to nearly 125,000 as Emirates and dnata expanded operations worldwide.

dnata Delivers Double-Digit Growth

dnata, the Group’s ground handling and aviation services company, recorded solid gains across all business units, with profit before tax up 17% to AED 843 million (US$ 230 million) and revenue up 13% to AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion).

Airport operations remained dnata’s largest business line, contributing AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion) in revenue—an increase of 15%—driven by rising flight activity in Italy, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. The company handled more than 450,000 aircraft turns in six months, up 15% year on year, and processed 1.59 million tonnes of cargo.

dnata continued to strengthen its infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, announcing a US$ 110 million investment to deploy 800 new ground support equipment units worldwide, including lower-emission models to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Beyond its core ground handling business, dnata’s catering and retail operations grew 11% to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), while its travel division rose 11% to AED 2 billion (US$ 538 million). The company also expanded its global footprint with the launch of its marhaba airport hospitality brand in the UK and a minority investment in WonderMiles, a next-generation NDC-enabled booking platform.

Highlighting its growing brand presence, dnata entered its first major sports partnership, signing a three-year agreement as a Founding Partner of Dubai Basketball.

Emirates Airline Maintains Global Profit Leadership

Emirates Airline posted a record AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion) profit before tax, up from AED 9.7 billion last year, on revenue of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), a 6% increase. The carrier transported 27.8 million passengers between April and September, added new destinations in Asia, and expanded frequencies to several major cities.

During the period, Emirates took delivery of five new A350s, completed interior upgrades on 23 aircraft, and expanded Premium Economy service to 61 cities. Emirates SkyCargo also grew volumes 4% to 1.25 million tonnes, supported by three new Boeing 777 freighters and the launch of Emirates Courier Express, a door-to-door express shipping service.

Sheikh Ahmed said the Group remains focused on growth and innovation as global travel demand continues to hold strong. “Our profitability enables us to invest confidently in our people, products, and operations while supporting Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for trade and tourism,” he said.