For the first half of its 2026-27 fiscal year, Emirates Group posted a net profit of AED 3.6 billion ($1 billion), even as it dealt with operational challenges and record jet fuel costs.
Pre-tax profit amounted to AED 4.1 billion ($1.1 billion), bolstered by robust travel demand and raised cargo income. The Group’s revenue was boosted by these elements.
The Group delivered an EBITDA of AED 12.5 billion ($3.4 billion) and generated total revenue of AED 66.2 billion ($18.0 billion).
Group profit after tax was AED 3.6 billion ($1.0 billion), while profit before tax was AED 4.1 billion ($1.1 billion). They also reported a cash reserve of AED 54.1 billion ($14.7 billion) as of September 30, 2026.
A dividend of AED 2 billion ($545 million) was paid to the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). This payment was made during the same period.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the strength of the business model despite regional challenges. He noted that customer demand held firm.
Cargo operations made a strong contribution to revenue and cash levels, according to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Emirates Airline recorded a profit after tax of AED 3.3 billion ($903 million) on revenue of AED 56.9 billion ($15.5 billion).
The airline transported 21.8 million passengers over the six-month span, maintaining a 72 per cent average seat factor. By September 30, Emirates had resumed 91 per cent of its network.
Emirates linked 150 airports across 78 nations and territories. Emirates SkyCargo posted a strong revenue gain, increasing 52 per cent to enhance overall performance.
This growth resulted from limited passenger aircraft bellyhold capacity and disruptions in maritime shipping. The company’s fuel hedging approach produced gains of AED 7.1 billion ($1.9 billion).
The fuel hedging strategy capped the net fuel cost increase at 13 per cent. This helped to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on the company’s finances. Notably, intermittent airspace restrictions across the region required operational adjustments, leading to total capacity of 28.2 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM) and passenger capacity of 28.2 billion Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM).
Furthermore, SkyCargo expanded fleet capacity during the period with 5 newly delivered Boeing 777 freighters, its first passenger-to-freighter conversion, and new dedicated routes including Almaty and Zhengzhou, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to strengthening its cargo operations.
