Emirates Airlines Posts Record $6.2 Billion Profit in FY2025

Kazi Abul Monsur#

Middle East-based international airline Emirates Airlines has achieved an extraordinary financial success in the fiscal year 2025. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, the company has announced a 22-week special bonus for all its employees — a rare move in the global aviation industry.

According to the financial report ending on March 31, 2025, the Emirates Group recorded a pre-tax profit of AED 22.7 billion (USD 6.2 billion), marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. During the same period, the group’s total revenue grew by 6%, reaching AED 145.4 billion (USD 39.6 billion). This consistent growth reflects the airline’s robust financial foundation and strategic management.

Moreover, the group’s cash assets surged to a record AED 53.4 billion (USD 14.6 billion) — a 13% increase from the previous year. With an EBITDA of AED 42.2 billion (USD 11.5 billion), Emirates has demonstrated strong operational profitability and financial resilience.

Due to effective management and strategic investment, Emirates has positioned itself among the most profitable airlines in the world. The airline alone generated AED 21.2 billion (USD 5.8 billion) in pre-tax profit and AED 127.9 billion (USD 34.9 billion) in revenue. Its cash reserves amounted to AED 49.7 billion (USD 13.5 billion).

The group’s ground-handling and travel services subsidiary, dnata, also reported impressive figures, with AED 1.6 billion (USD 430 million) in pre-tax profit and AED 21.1 billion (USD 5.8 billion) in revenue. dnata’s cash balance reached AED 3.7 billion (USD 1.0 billion).

As a result of this strong performance, the group declared a dividend of AED 6.0 billion (USD 1.6 billion) to its principal owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Notably, FY 2025 marks the first year Emirates operated under the UAE’s new corporate tax regime. After accounting for the 9% tax rate, the airline’s net profit stood at AED 20.5 billion (USD 5.6 billion).

During FY 2024–25, the Emirates Group invested AED 14.0 billion (USD 3.8 billion) in technology upgrades, fleet expansion, and infrastructure development — all aimed at long-term sustainable growth and enhanced customer service.

Emirates Airlines began its journey in March 1985 with just two leased aircraft, one of which came from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Its first commercial flight took place in October 1985.

In just a few decades, Emirates has transformed from a fledgling regional carrier into one of the top 10 airlines in the world, thanks to strategic planning and visionary leadership. Today, the airline operates a fleet of 269 passenger and cargo aircraft, including world-class models like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, and is set to welcome the next-generation Airbus A350 series.

Once a modest newcomer, Emirates has now emerged as a shining example of global aviation success. Its disciplined and efficient management, timely investments, employee-focused policies, and technology-driven growth strategies have not only made Emirates the pride of Dubai but also established it as a global role model in airline management and success.