Emirates Group posts record FY2025‑26 profit and revenue despite end‑of‑year disruptions
Emirates Group posts record FY2025‑26 results: AED24.4bn pre‑tax profit, AED150.5bn revenue and AED59.6bn cash, despite end‑of‑year operational headwinds.
The Emirates Group reported record full‑year results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, delivering a pre‑tax profit of AED24.4 billion and a substantial rise in cash reserves. The company said the performance came despite operational challenges in the final month of the reporting period. The results underscore robust revenue growth and operational profitability across the group, led by its flagship airline.
Group financial highlights for FY2025‑26
The group disclosed revenues of AED150.5 billion, up 3 percent year‑on‑year, with a pre‑tax profit increase of 7 percent to AED24.4 billion. Management reported an EBITDA of AED41.1 billion and a pre‑tax profit margin of 16.2 percent, signalling strong underlying operational performance. Cash balances rose to AED59.6 billion, a 12 percent increase that the group said strengthens its liquidity position.
Emirates airline drives the majority of earnings
Emirates airline remained the dominant contributor, posting a record pre‑tax profit of AED22.8 billion and a 17.4 percent margin on airline operations. The carrier’s revenue reached AED130.9 billion, a 2 percent rise over the prior year, reflecting continued demand across key international markets. The airline’s results accounted for the bulk of the group’s profit, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most profitable long‑haul carriers.
Operational resilience amid final‑month headwinds
Company filings noted that the final month of the financial year presented operational pressures that tested resilience across the network. Despite those disruptions, the group maintained positive momentum through capacity management and cost discipline. The strengthened cash position was highlighted as a buffer that helped the business absorb late‑cycle volatility without compromising strategic investments.
Liquidity and capital strength
A key pillar of the results was the notable increase in cash and liquid assets to AED59.6 billion, which the group described as a record level. That rise in liquidity, up 12 percent year‑on‑year, improved the company’s ability to manage short‑term shocks and pursue planned fleet and infrastructure projects. The balance sheet metrics combined solid profitability with conservative cash management, providing headroom for investment and operational flexibility.
Revenue composition and business segments
Revenues were driven predominantly by the airline, but the group’s diversified portfolio also supported top‑line growth. Passenger revenues and premium services contributed materially, while cargo and ancillary streams provided additional resilience. The group’s EBITDA of AED41.1 billion reflects broad operating strength across airline and non‑airline businesses.
Implications for strategy and market position
The results reinforce the Emirates Group’s competitive position in global aviation and travel services, supporting continued investment in fleet and network expansion. Management indicated the company will retain focus on service quality and operational reliability while preserving financial prudence. The combination of high margins, record revenues, and elevated cash reserves positions the group to navigate medium‑term market cycles and pursue strategic priorities.
The Emirates Group’s FY2025‑26 performance delivers a clear signal of recovery and consolidation after years of industry turbulence, with the airline unit driving most of the gains. Strong profitability and a fortified cash position will allow the group to sustain investments in capacity, digitalisation and customer experience while managing cyclical risks.
