Emirates has claimed the title of the world’s most profitable airline, posting a record annual profit of US$5.2 billion for the 2024–25 financial year. The Dubai-based carrier carried 53.7 million passengers during the period, up from 51.9 million the previous year, and continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the East and West through its global hub at Dubai International Airport.
The wider Emirates Group, which includes airport services arm dnata, reported a combined profit of US$6.2 billion—a healthy jump from last year’s US$5.1 billion result. It comes despite the introduction of a new 9% corporate tax in the UAE, which came into effect during the financial year.
In recognition of the company’s success, Emirates Group is rewarding its 121,000 employees with a generous bonus equivalent to 22 weeks’ salary. That’s up from the 20-week bonus handed out in 2024, marking another strong year for staff at the Dubai-based airline.
Emirates chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum described the result as “outstanding”, saying the company’s financial strength was allowing it to scale up operations and investments. “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,” he said.
The airline brought in revenue of US$34.9 billion, putting it behind carriers such as Delta Air Lines in terms of total revenue—but its profit figure puts Emirates ahead of any other airline in the world.
The group continues to invest heavily in its fleet, including a multi-billion-dollar retrofit program to upgrade interiors on 219 aircraft. Emirates is also preparing to introduce 16 new Airbus A350s, which will enter service from mid-2025 on routes including Ho Chi Minh City, Baghdad, Oslo and Istanbul.
All this growth is closely linked to the performance of Dubai International Airport, which saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through in 2024. Already the world’s busiest international airport, DXB will eventually hand over the reins to a much larger facility: the new Al Maktoum International Airport, now under development on Dubai’s southern fringe. The mega-hub is expected to cost nearly US$35 billion and will eventually handle 260 million passengers a year.
With a fleet of 260 aircraft flying to 148 cities in 80 countries—and plenty more capacity in the pipeline—it’s clear Emirates is planning to keep its spot at the top of the global aviation leaderboard.
Read our review of Emirates Economy here.
