Emirates’ $6.2bn haul makes it world’s most profitable airline

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

A profit haul of $6.2 billion in the financial year ended 31 March 2025 has placed Emirates Group as the most profitable aviation group globally in the 2024-25 reporting period, with the group reporting the best result in its history.

In its just released 2024-25 annual report, the aviation group achieved new record profit, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), revenue, and cash balance levels.

The Emirates Group reported a record profit before tax of $6.2 billion, up 18 percent from last year and a record revenue of $39.6 billion. The level of cash assets also climbed to $14.6 billion), up 13 percent from last year.

A statement made available to Business a.m. shows that both Emirates and Dnata contributed record revenues in 2024-25, as the Group expanded its operations around the world to meet customer demand for its high-quality products and services.

As an airline, “Emirates earns its place as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a record profit before tax of $5.8 billion, up 20% from last year and a record revenue of $34.9 billion. It also reported its highest-ever level of cash assets at $13.5 billion, 16% higher compared to 31 March 2024,” the aviation group stated.

A dividend of $1.6 billion has been declared by the Group to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) with the report noting that “This is the first financial year that the UAE corporate tax, enacted in 2023, is applied to the Emirates Group. After accounting for the 9% tax charge, the Group’s profit after tax is $5.6 billion.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “It is no accident that Dubai has produced hugely successful global aviation entities including Emirates and Dnata. Dubai’s aviation sector has become an influential force on the global stage thanks to visionary leaders, strategic planning, coordinated execution, and strong support from our customers, business partners, and all the people of Dubai.

“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.

“With that in mind, we’ve kept a laser focus on providing great products and services, and we continually invest in technology and talent to increase our competitive edge. We look after our people and our customers, and we work hard to positively impact our communities. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t take shortcuts that put our future at risk for short term gains. By building our business models around these principles and Dubai’s unique strengths, the Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geo-political and socio-economic challenges over the years,” the chairman said.

Sheikh Ahmed added: “For 2024-25, the Emirates Group has raised the bar to set new records for profit, revenue, and cash assets. Through the year, Emirates and Dnata were able to move quickly to meet the strong demand for air transport services across markets and win over customers – thanks to our non-stop investments in our people, in building partnerships, and in delivering great products and services.”