Emirates income climbs 7% despite Gulf disruption

Insider Spotlight

• Emirates Group posted record pre-tax profit of $6.6 billion for the year ended March 31, up 7 percent despite Gulf region disruptions
• Revenue climbed to a record $41 billion as Emirates retained its title as the world’s most profitable airline
• Management said the airline is “well-hedged” on fuel through 2028-29, easing concerns over volatile energy costs
• Emirates restored 96 percent of its network and continued expanding fleet, cargo, and premium cabin offerings
  
  
  

Emirates Group reported a record pre-tax profit of $6.6 billion for the financial year ended March 31, rising 7 percent from a year earlier, driven by sustained global travel demand and network expansion despite regional disruptions late in the period.

Why it matters

The results underscore continued resilience in international aviation demand even as airlines grapple with geopolitical tensions, elevated fuel costs, and supply chain constraints. Emirates also maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline.

By the numbers

The Dubai-based aviation group posted record revenue of $41 billion during the year, while Emirates airline alone generated before tax profit of $6.2 billion.

The carrier said 96 percent of its global network has now been restored following disruption across the Gulf region during the final month of its fiscal year.

Passenger traffic remained strong, with Emirates carrying 53.2 million travelers during the period. Its cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, transported 2.4 million tons globally.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Chair and CEO of Emirates airline

What they’re saying

“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,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chair and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, said in a press statement on May 15, 2026.

“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,” he added.

Between the lines

Emirates continued investing heavily in fleet modernization and premium offerings as airlines compete for higher-yield travelers.

During the year, the airline received 15 Airbus A350 aircraft and continued its $5-billion retrofit program. So far, 91 aircraft have undergone cabin upgrades, including Premium Economy installations and revamped interiors.

The airline also expanded Starlink-powered inflight Wi-Fi deployment, with 21 aircraft fitted with the system as of March 31.

In the Philippines, Emirates currently operates 32 weekly flights serving Manila, Cebu, and Clark, with additional Manila frequencies launched in April supporting passenger and cargo demand. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma