Dubai-based Emirates becomes world's...

UAE airline pays staff 22-week bonus after record US$6.2 billion profits

Dubai-based Emirates Group, which comprises Emirates and Dnata, has seen profits soar in the last year, reaching record highs to become the world’s most profitable airline.

Emirates reported record profits of US$5.8 billion for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, up 20% on the previous year, with revenues rising to a record US$34.9 billion, up 6%. That represents a profit margin of 14.9%.

Recently ranked as the world's 4th most valuable brand, Emirates carried 53.7 million passengers in 2024-25, up 3%, with seat capacity up 4%.

Dnata profits were a record US$430 million, up 2%, while revenue was US$5.8 billion, up 10% and also a record high.

Emirates Group declared a US$1.6 billion dividend to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), and said it would reward staff with a bonus equivalent to 22 weeks of salary.

“When the government set up Emirates 40 years ago and we began expanding dnata’s capabilities to support the city’s growth, we had a clear mission – be the best at what we do, and deliver value to Dubai, our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group.

Sheikh Ahmed said that in 2024-25, Emirates and Dnata were able to move quickly to meet strong demand across markets, investing US$3.8 billion in new aircraft, facilities and technology and expanding the workforce by 9% to reach more than 121,000.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Ahmed said that while “some markets are jittery about trade and travel restrictions” Emirates Group would “adapt and navigate around these challenges”.

Always quick to spot an opportunity, Emirates has doubled down on its commitment to the growing cruise industry in a new partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This will give Emirates access to passenger demographics and emerging trends, allowing the Dubai-based airline to better create and promote fly-cruise packages.

The airline is giving 219 of its aircraft a full cabin refresh at a total cost of US$5 billion and is expected to take delivery of 15 Airbus A350 aircraft in 2025-26, providing extra capacity to meet surging demand.

As of 31 March 2025, Emirates had a fleet of 260 aircraft and 314 aircraft on order, including 61 from Airbus and 253 from Boeing.

For more information, visit www.emirates.ae

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