Emirates Group reported record profit, revenue, and cash balance levels for the financial year ending 31 March 2026, despite disruption across the Gulf region during the final month of its financial year.
The Emirates Group posted a record profit before tax of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion), up 7% from the previous year, alongside record revenue of AED 150.5 billion (US$ 41.0 billion). Emirates retained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting record profit before tax of AED 22.8 billion (US$ 6.2 billion).
The results come as Emirates continues restoring operations amid ongoing regional disruption. The airline said 96 percent of its global network has now been restored, with operations gradually scaling up toward pre-disruption levels. Emirates continued operating services across key markets during the disruption period and currently operates 32 weekly flights to Manila, Cebu, and Clark.
Fuel resilience and continued investments
Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: “From a fuel perspective, Emirates is well-hedged until 2028-29; and we have worked with our suppliers to secure the volumes required to support our current operations and our scaling up to pre-disruption levels.”
He added: “The Emirates Group enters 2026-27 with very strong cash reserves, which enable us to progress with our plans to strengthen our business without knee-jerk cost control measures.”
The comments come as airlines across Asia and the Middle East continue to navigate higher fuel costs and operational disruptions.
During the financial year, Emirates expanded its network to 152 destinations across 80 countries and grew partnerships to 32 codeshare and 117 interline partners, providing access to more than 1,700 cities beyond its network.
Fleet, product, and cargo growth
Emirates also continued investments in fleet expansion, cabin upgrades, and onboard technology. During the year, the airline received 15 Airbus A350 aircraft and continued the rollout of its Premium Economy product and US$ 5 billion retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed a full cabin refresh featuring upgraded inflight products and interiors.
The airline also accelerated deployment of Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi across its fleet. By 31 March, 21 aircraft had already been fitted with the service.
In the Philippines, Emirates also continues complimentary bus services for Economy Class passengers traveling to and from Clark International Airport.
Globally, Emirates carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, while Emirates SkyCargo transported 2.4 million tonnes of cargo worldwide. The additional four weekly Manila flights launched in April also support increased cargo capacity between the Philippines, Dubai, and key trade markets across Europe, the United States, and the Indian subcontinent.
“Our fundamentals are strong. The Emirates Group’s proven business model is unchanged. Dubai’s place at the nexus of global commerce, trade and travel flows is unchanged,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
The 2025-26 Annual Report of the Emirates Group — comprising Emirates, dnata and their subsidiaries — is available at: www.theemiratesgroup.com/annualreport.
