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Emirates Group's first-half profit rises 13% on strong travel demand
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 4:42 GMT by reuters.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Emirates Group Posts a 13% Rise in First‑Half Profit as Travel Demand Soars
Dubai, UAE – Emirates Group, the parent company of the flagship Emirates airline, announced on Friday that its operating profit for the first half of 2024 jumped 13 % to 5.6 billion dirhams (about US$1.5 billion). The climb is being driven by a rebound in passenger traffic, a sharp uptick in freight volumes and a steady recovery of tourism in the United Arab Emirates.
Key Financial Highlights
| Metric | First Half 2024 | First Half 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating profit | 5.6 bn dirhams | 4.9 bn dirhams | +13 % |
| Revenue | 7.4 bn dirhams | 6.6 bn dirhams | +12 % |
| Passenger revenue | 5.9 bn dirhams | 5.0 bn dirhams | +18 % |
| Cargo revenue | 1.3 bn dirhams | 1.0 bn dirhams | +30 % |
The figures were released in the group’s quarterly earnings presentation, which can be viewed in full on the Emirates Group Investor Relations portal.
Why the Surge?
1. Passenger Demand
The airline has seen a return to pre‑pandemic travel patterns, especially on its high‑volume Middle East–Europe routes. Emirates’ flagship A380 and A350 aircraft were booked at 93 % of capacity in the summer of 2024, compared with 67 % in the same period of 2022. The group cited an uptick in business travel and an expansion of leisure itineraries targeting European and Asian tourists.
2. Freight Expansion
The cargo arm, which operates the same wide‑body aircraft used for passenger services, reported a 30 % increase in freight revenue. This was largely driven by a surge in e‑commerce shipments and a renewed demand for perishable goods between the Middle East and India.
3. Recovery of Dubai Tourism
Dubai’s tourism sector has been rebounding, thanks in part to the easing of international travel restrictions and the city’s continued investment in high‑profile events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival. In the first half of 2024, Dubai received 1.8 million international visitors, up from 1.2 million in the same period of 2023.
4. Strategic Cost Management
Despite higher revenue, Emirates Group managed to keep operating costs in line with growth. The airline’s cost‑control measures, including fuel hedging and a revised workforce strategy, helped it maintain a healthy operating margin.
Leadership Perspective
Mohamed Al Fares, Chairman and Group CEO of Emirates Group, said in a statement, “The first half’s results confirm the resilience of the aviation sector and the robustness of our business model. We remain focused on delivering value to our passengers, our cargo customers and our shareholders as the industry continues to recover.”
Al Fares also highlighted the group’s investment in sustainability, noting that Emirates has recently introduced a new carbon‑offset program and is expanding its fleet with newer, more fuel‑efficient aircraft.
Broader Economic Impact
The Emirates Group is a major contributor to the UAE’s GDP, employing more than 60,000 people worldwide. Its performance is closely watched by the UAE government and the Dubai Tourism Authority, both of which see the airline’s success as a barometer for the health of the region’s travel and hospitality sectors.
A related article in Reuters, “Dubai’s tourism board sees 2024 visitor numbers hit new highs,” links to the broader context of Dubai’s tourism rebound and underscores the significance of Emirates’ performance for the emirate’s economy.
Investor Outlook
The Emirates Group’s earnings release includes forward‑looking guidance. The company expects continued growth in passenger traffic, particularly on its Middle East–Asia routes, and a further rise in cargo revenue as e‑commerce expands. While it acknowledges the risk of fuel price volatility and potential geopolitical tensions, the group remains optimistic about the medium‑term outlook.
Investors should note that Emirates Group’s share price has outperformed the broader UAE stock market index over the past year, reflecting the market’s confidence in the airline’s profitability and growth prospects.
Additional Context
- Air Cargo Growth: A Reuters special report on global air cargo trends cites Emirates Group’s cargo division as one of the fastest‑growing in the Middle East, driven by increased demand for time‑critical shipments.
- Sustainability Efforts: Emirates’ sustainability strategy, disclosed in its annual report, outlines plans to offset 30 % of its CO₂ emissions by 2030 through a combination of aircraft upgrades, alternative fuels, and carbon‑offset projects.
- Government Support: The UAE government’s “National Vision 2030” includes a significant investment in the aviation sector, which has helped Emirates Group secure financing for fleet expansion and airport infrastructure projects.
Emirates Group’s 13 % rise in first‑half profit signals a strong recovery for the airline industry in the Middle East, driven by robust passenger demand and a vibrant cargo market. With strategic investments in fleet modernization and sustainability, the company is positioned to continue delivering value to its stakeholders while supporting the UAE’s broader economic goals.
Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/emirates-groups-first-half-profit-rises-13-strong-travel-demand-2025-11-06/ ]
