Emirates airline reported a 66 per cent year-on-year drop in half-year net profit to $903 million (Dh3.3 billion) for the six months to September 2026. The wider Emirates Group, which includes dnata, posted a profit of Dh3.6 billion over the same period, also down 66 per cent.

Released on Thursday, the results showed Emirates airline's revenue fell 13 per cent to Dh56.9 billion, while group revenue dropped 12 per cent to Dh66.2 billion. The airline attributed the decline largely to the regional conflict, now in its eighth and ninth consecutive month of disruption, which forced flight cancellations, rerouting and airspace restrictions. Passenger numbers fell 22 per cent to 21.8 million.

Fuel costs rose 60 per cent even as consumption fell 12 per cent, pushing fuel to 34 per cent of total operating costs. Bucking the downturn, Emirates SkyCargo grew revenue by 52 per cent despite a 1 per cent dip in cargo volumes, helped by strong demand in premium cabins. Group cash balances stood at Dh54.1 billion at the end of September, down from Dh59.6 billion at the end of March.

Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the group was entering the second half of its financial year with "measured optimism," adding that Emirates and dnata remained focused on "safety, quality and customer satisfaction" despite the challenging operating environment.