Emirates Group Posts Record AED 24.4 Billion Profit, Rewards Staff With 20-Week Bonus

Key facts

• a record net profit of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion) for fiscal year 2025-26.
• Employees will receive a bonus equivalent to 20 weeks of their salary.
• Revenues and cash balances also reached historic highs.
• The Group declared a dividend of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
• The company invested AED 17.9 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, and technology.
• Emirates Group's workforce grew by 8% to 130,919 employees.
• The airline currently operates to 137 destinations across 72 countries.

Record Profits Amidst Geopolitical Turmoil

The Emirates Group has announced a landmark financial performance for the fiscal year 2025-26, achieving record levels in net profit, revenue, and cash balances. This historic achievement comes despite significant geopolitical headwinds, including the US-Israel-Iran war that has profoundly impacted Middle Eastern aviation. Dubai's flagship carrier, Emirates Airline, has solidified its position as the world's most profitable airline during this reporting period. The company's ability to post such strong results underscores its operational resilience and strategic positioning. In recognition of this exceptional performance and the dedication of its workforce, the Group has declared a substantial bonus for its employees, amounting to 20 weeks of their salary. This gesture highlights the company's commitment to sharing its success with its staff.

Financial Milestones and Investments

reveals a net profit of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. This figure represents a significant leap, driven by strong demand for its services throughout most of the year. Revenue and cash assets also hit unprecedented highs, with cash assets reaching AED 54.9 billion (US$ 15.0 billion), a 10% increase from the previous year. robust EBITDA of AED 41.1 billion (US$ 11.2 billion), indicative of its strong operational profitability. Further demonstrating its commitment to future growth, the Emirates Group collectively invested AED 17.9 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, and advanced technologies. This strategic investment aims to support its expansion plans and maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market.

Employee Recognition and Corporate Stewardship

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of his employees in a heartfelt letter. He lauded their "bravery and incredible resilience" during one of the most challenging periods in the company's history. "You were called upon during one of the most complex and challenging times in our history and you showed up with commitment and passion," Sheikh Ahmed wrote, emphasizing the critical role staff played in navigating the disruptions. The 20-week salary bonus is a tangible acknowledgment of this dedication. Gratitude was also extended to the leadership of Dubai, including HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his sons, for their unwavering support of the aviation sector. The Group sees itself as a proud contributor to Dubai's strategic vision under their stewardship.

Navigating Regional Disruptions

The latter part of the fiscal year presented significant challenges, particularly in the 12th month, which was described as "disruptive and challenging." Military activity in late February 2026 caused substantial disruptions to global commercial air traffic in the Gulf region, including the UAE. Emirates and its subsidiary dnata swiftly responded to protect assets, support affected customers, and ensure business continuity. While operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have gradually been restored, the airline is still operating at a lower passenger capacity than before the disruptions. However, cargo operations have seen a significant ramp-up, facilitating the movement of essential goods into and through the UAE. This highlights the dual role of the airline in both passenger connectivity and vital supply chain logistics.

Dubai's Aviation Ecosystem Advantage

The Group's ability to quickly resume operations was significantly aided by its strategic location in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the city's extensive infrastructure investments and cohesive aviation ecosystem, which enabled the government to swiftly secure safe corridors for commercial flights. This supportive environment is crucial for an industry that is a massive driver of by Oxford Economics indicated that the aviation sector, largely propelled by the Emirates Group, supports over 630,000 jobs in the emirate, with projections for substantial future growth. The Emirates Group itself is a major employer in Dubai, with its workforce growing by 8% to 130,919 employees. The company actively recruits, having onboarded over 9,700 people in the UAE in the past year from a pool of 3.5 million applicants.

Future Outlook and Dividend Distribution

Looking ahead, the Emirates Group is poised for continued growth, supported by its recent investments and strategic resilience. The company's operational agility, demonstrated during the recent crisis, positions it well to adapt to future challenges. In addition to reinvesting in its operations, the Group declared a dividend of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). This distribution reflects the strong financial health and profitability of the group. The UAE's corporate tax rate increased from 9% to 15% this year due to the adoption of Pillar Two tax rules, a factor that will influence the Group's financial reporting moving forward. Despite this, the company's record performance indicates a robust underlying business.

The bottom line

• Emirates Group achieved record profits of AED 24.4 billion (US$ 6.6 billion) in fiscal year 2025-26.
• Employees will receive a 20-week salary bonus, recognizing their resilience during challenging times.
• The airline's strong performance occurred despite significant regional geopolitical disruptions.
• The Group invested AED 17.9 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) in fleet, facilities, and technology.
• Emirates Group is a major economic contributor and employer in Dubai.
• A dividend of AED 3.5 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) was paid to the Investment Corporation of Dubai.