Dubai:The Emirates Group has reported a profit before tax of AED 4.1 billion ($1.1 billion) for the first half of the 2026-27 fiscal year, despite facing significant challenges due to ongoing regional disruptions and high fuel costs. This performance reflects the Group's resilience in maintaining profitability under challenging conditions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Emirates Group's profit after tax stands at AED 3.6 billion ($1.0 billion), marking a 66% decrease from the previous year. The Group's EBITDA reached AED 12.5 billion ($3.4 billion), a 41% drop compared to last year's record figures. Revenue for the first half was AED 66.2 billion ($18.0 billion), down 12% from the previous year's AED 75.4 billion ($20.6 billion).
The Emirates Group maintained a strong cash position with AED 54.1 billion ($14.7 billion) as of September 30, 2026, compared to AED 59.6 billion ($16.2 billion) at the end of March. The Group utilized its cash reserves for business needs, including aircraft pre-delivery payments and debt servicing. Additionally, the Group completed a dividend payment of AED 2 billion ($545 million) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and CEO, highlighted the firm's robust business model and workforce's resilience against regional challenges. The Group focused on restoring operations and maintaining customer service quality while navigating geopolitical developments and volatile fuel prices.
Emirates' operational focus included restoring its network to 91% of pre-disruption capacity, launching customer-centric initiatives, and expanding its Premium Economy inventory. The airline also progressed with its fleet expansion and retrofitting programs, receiving new aircraft and enhancing in-flight amenities.
On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.2 million tonnes, with cargo revenue increasing by 52% due to regional conflicts affecting airfreight capacity. The division expanded its network, adding new freighter destinations and increasing service frequency.
dnata, the Group's airport operations and travel services provider, adapted to regional challenges by securing new contracts and investing in global operations. It reported a revenue of AED 11.0 billion ($3.0 billion) and a profit before tax of AED 410 million ($112 million), despite facing a 51% profit decline compared to the previous year.
Emirates and dnata continue to invest in strategic developments and customer service enhancements, aiming to navigate future challenges while maintaining operational excellence.