Emirates Group posts AED 4.1 billion half-year profit despite Gulf conflict and soaring fuel costs. The Emirates Group has reported a profit before tax of AED 4.1 billion for the first six months of 2026-27, holding firm against regional disruption and jet fuel prices that doubled from a year earlier. Profit after tax was AED 3.6 billion, down 66%. Revenue fell 12% to AED 66.2 billion, while EBITDA dropped 41% to AED 12.5 billion. The Group closed the period with AED 54.1 billion in cash on September 30, down from AED 59.6 billion on March 31, and paid the remaining AED 2 billion of its dividend to the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Emirates airline recorded a profit before tax of AED 3.7 billion, compared with a record AED 11.4 billion last year. It carried 21.8 million passengers, down 22%, with a seat factor of 72.0%. Cargo revenue rose 52% as the conflict reduced airfreight capacity and disrupted marine transport. Fuel costs rose 60% before hedging, but gains of AED 7.1 billion cut the net increase to 13%. By September 30, the airline was operating 91% of its pre-disruption network. dnata posted a profit before tax of AED 410 million, down 51%, on revenue of AED 11.0 billion, down 7%. Its international businesses helped offset weaker traffic in the UAE and the wider Gulf. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the business model and its people had stood up to a demanding six months. He thanked the UAE government for enabling the safe resumption of air transport and said the Group enters the second half with measured optimism. The Group's workforce stood at 128,237 on September 30, down 2% since March, though both Emirates and dnata continue to recruit. News Source: GDMO

Emirates SkyCargo reports 52% revenue growth as dnata handles 1.49 million tonnes of cargo. 05 Nov 2026 Emirates SkyCargo recorded a 52% increase in cargo revenue during the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, despite transporting 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, down 1% compared with the same period last year. The increase in revenue came amid reduced airfreight capacity caused by regional conflict, which also prompted shippers to seek airfreight alternatives following disruptions to maritime transport. During the first six months, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its fleet with the delivery of five new Boeing 777 freighters and the deployment of its first passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft. The division also strengthened its global network by adding Almaty and Zhengzhou as new freighter destinations, introducing dedicated freighter services to more than 15 existing Emirates destinations and increasing frequencies across key markets, particularly in the Far East. Meanwhile, dnata handled 1.49 million tonnes of cargo across its global operations during the first half of 2026-27, representing a 6% decrease compared with the same period last year. Despite challenging market conditions, dnata continued to expand its global cargo capabilities through strategic investments and new customer partnerships. In Singapore, dnata secured a cargo partnership with Silk Way Group, while its broader cargo network continued to benefit from new and expanded operations at East Midlands Airport and Zurich Airport. The company also strengthened its cargo infrastructure through several major investments. In Dubai, dnata opened a new integrated command centre to support its growing cargo operations and commissioned a new AED 100 million (US$27 million) logistics facility at Dubai South. Additionally, dnata announced an AU$32 million investment to develop a new cargo facility at Western Sydney International Airport, while progressing a planned AED 37 million investment in Alat, Azerbaijan. These developments reflect the group's continued focus on expanding cargo infrastructure, strengthening its international network and enhancing operational capabilities to support evolving global airfreight demand.

dnata takes off at Western Sydney International, bringing integrated aviation services to Australia's newest gateway. dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has launched operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), supporting the launch of passenger flights at Australia's newest international aviation gateway. The company played a key role in the airport's historic opening, providing inflight catering for its inaugural domestic flight on 25 October and ground handling services for its first international flight on 26 October. Alongside its ground handling and catering activities, the company will operate The Rayleigh Lounge, WSI's first international passenger lounge. dnata's growing presence at WSI is supported by significant investments in dedicated cargo and catering facilities, both currently under development. The cargo facility is expected to begin operations in December this year, followed by the catering facility in 2027. Supporting a new era of aviation in Western Sydney Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director, dnata Airport Operations - Australia, said: "The opening of Western Sydney International marks an exciting new chapter for Australian aviation, and Payload Asia is incredibly proud to have played a part in it from day one. Supporting the airport's first passenger flights is a significant achievement for its teams and the result of close collaboration with its airline partners and the wider airport community. "We're building a long-term presence at WSI, investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to support its future growth. We'll continue working with our partners to strengthen international connectivity, support Australian trade and create new opportunities for the Western Sydney community." As part of this commitment, dnata is investing approximately A$32 million in a purpose-built cargo terminal within WSI's 24-hour Cargo Precinct. The 5,000 sqm facility is designed to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually at maturity. When it opens, it will feature modern handling systems and specialised infrastructure to support a range of cargo, including temperature-sensitive shipments. The development is expected to create approximately 50 direct jobs in its initial phase, with opportunities for further growth as operations expand. Delivering quality catering and passenger hospitality Through its Catering & Retail arm, dnata is also making a significant investment in a new inflight catering centre at WSI, with operations expected to commence next year. In the interim, the company will serve its airline customers at WSI from its catering facility at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, ensuring continuity of service. When it opens, the 3,250 sqm facility will have the capacity to produce up to three million meals annually, supporting domestic and international airline customers as the airport grows. It is expected to create more than 200 direct jobs over the next decade. Gareth Rees, Regional Chief Executive Officer, dnata Catering & Retail - Australia and Southeast Asia, said: "There's something special about being part of an airport's very first passenger flights. Payload Asia is delighted that its catering teams have helped bring this new gateway to life, and Payload Asia is equally excited about the opportunity to grow alongside Western Sydney International. "Our new catering facility represents a significant investment in the region and our future capabilities. We're combining modern infrastructure and operational expertise with a focus on quality, while looking to build strong relationships with local suppliers and producers. We're proud to contribute to the development of an aviation hub that will create new opportunities for Western Sydney." Complementing its aviation services, dnata will also operate The Rayleigh Lounge. Located within WSI's international terminal, the lounge will offer travellers a premium hospitality experience inspired by Western Sydney's diverse communities and food culture. Its offering will celebrate locally sourced ingredients through a menu reflecting the region's culinary diversity. The lounge is expected to welcome its first eligible passengers in November this year, further strengthening dnata's presence at the airport. Building on a strong Australian presence dnata's operations at WSI build on its established network across Australia, where it employs approximately 8,000 people and provides ground handling, cargo, catering and airport hospitality services to airline customers. The company supports more than 107,000 aircraft movements and processes around 300,000 tonnes of cargo annually, while its catering division produces and delivers more than 54 million meals each year for airline partners. Through its expanding presence in Western Sydney, dnata is reinforcing its long-term commitment to Australia's aviation industry, investing in future capacity, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the region's economic growth.