Emirates Group, the parent company of the Middle East’s largest airline, has announced a significant increase in half-year profits, despite regional turmoil. The company reported profits of 10.6 billion dirhams ($2.9 billion) for the first half of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which began in April. This represents a 13% increase from the previous year.
The profits, which amount to a record $3.3 billion before corporate tax, introduced in 2023, mark the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for the half-year. According to Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, global demand for air transport and travel services has remained strong, despite geopolitical events and economic concerns in some markets.
The group’s revenues were $20.6 billion, up 4% from $19.3 billion last year. Sheikh Ahmed attributed the increase to the resilience of demand, stating that the company expects this trend to continue for the rest of the fiscal year. As a result, Emirates plans to increase its capacity to grow revenues.
The announcement comes amid regional instability, including the brief Israel-Iran war and conflicts in Gaza. These events resulted in disruptions to flights from several Gulf carriers, including Emirates. Additionally, flights were briefly halted during separate attacks on targets in Qatar in June and September.
Despite these challenges, Emirates has managed to maintain its profitability. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and respond to demand has enabled it to achieve record profits. As the largest long-haul carrier in the world, Emirates plays a significant role in the global aviation industry.
The company’s strong performance is a testament to the growing demand for air travel and tourism in the region. With its strategic location and extensive network, Emirates is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. As the company looks to increase its capacity and expand its services, it is likely to remain a major player in the global aviation industry.
