Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has posted record annual profits of $5.2 billion (after tax), an increase of 14.9% from last year when the global long-haul carrier secured $4.7 billion.
The results, announced on May 8, 2025, were buoyed by the start of new routes, a 3% lift in passenger numbers to 53.7 million, and a 4% increase in seat capacity.
Emirates said the results cemented its position as “world’s most profitable airline” with profits before tax increasing by 20% to $5.8 billion. Emirates’ total revenue for the financial year also increased 6% to $34.9 billion.
Emirates Group, which includes the airline, SkyCargo, dnata and several other companies, also posted record breaking results during the financial year up to March 31, 2025.
Profits before tax rose 18% from last year to $6.2 billion and revenues increased by 18% to $39.2 billion.
“We are the world’s most profitable aviation group, and Emirates is the world’s most profitable airline in the 2024-25 reporting period. dnata also delivered excellent results across its UAE and international businesses,” said Emirates Group CEO and Chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
He added: “It is no accident that Dubai has produced hugely successful global aviation entities, including Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.”
During the year, Emirates launched two new destinations, Bogotá and Madagascar, restarted flights to Phnom Penh, Lagos, Adelaide and Edinburgh and strengthened services to 21 other destinations to meet rising demand.
The first Airbus A350 aircraft joined Emirates’ fleet this year and by March 31, 2025, the carrier had four A350s flying to Edinburgh, Ahmedabad, Bahrain, Colombo, Kuwait and Mumbai.
Emirates also confirmed in its latest financial report that it expects 16 A350s and four Boeing 777 freighters to arrive in 2025-26, and that its refit program will continue across its A380, 777 and A350 fleet.
Total operating costs increased by 4% from last financial year with fuel and employee costs the airline’s two biggest cost components in 2024-25. Fuel accounted for 31% of operating costs compared to 34% in 2023-24.
“We enter the year ahead with excitement and optimism. Our excellent financial standing enables us to continue building on and scaling up from our successful business models. While some markets are jittery about trade and travel restrictions, volatility is not new in our industry. We simply adapt and navigate around these challenges,” said Ahmed.
