Emirates reported higher annual profits for the financial year ended March 2026, overcoming major disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict and airspace restrictions across the Gulf region.
The Dubai-based carrier posted a record net profit of $5.4 billion, up from $5.2 billion a year earlier, while group revenue climbed 3 per cent to $41 billion. The broader Emirates Group, which includes aviation services firm dnata, recorded pre-tax profits of $6.6 billion, maintaining its position as the world’s most profitable airline group.
The airline said military activity and regional instability during the final month of its fiscal year severely disrupted commercial air traffic across the Gulf, forcing flight suspensions and rerouting operations. Despite the turmoil, Emirates restored around 96 per cent of its global network and ramped up cargo operations to support essential supply chains through the UAE.
Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said strong travel demand, higher passenger yields, and the airline’s robust financial reserves helped offset the impact of the crisis. Emirates also highlighted that its fuel costs are hedged through 2028–29, shielding the carrier from sharp increases in oil prices linked to the regional conflict.
The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the year and continued expanding its fleet, taking delivery of additional Airbus A350 aircraft while progressing with a multi-billion-dollar retrofit programme. Emirates said it would continue investing in fleet modernization, infrastructure, and network expansion despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.