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Emirates airline net profit drops 66% in first half dragged down by Iran war

The Dubai-based carrier said cargo revenue rose 52% and travel demand remained firm despite a 22% drop in passengers.

  • On Thursday, November 5, 2026, Emirates Airline reported a 66% decline in net profit to Dh3.3 billion for the six months ending September 30, citing regional conflict and soaring jet fuel costs.
  • Airspace closures and flight disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran forced the airline to navigate "unprecedented regional challenges," while fuel costs surged 60% before hedging gains despite reduced operations.
  • Cargo operations provided a critical buffer, with revenue increasing 52%, as the airline carried 21.8 million passengers—a 22% decrease—while maintaining 91% of its pre-disruption network by end of September.
  • The wider Emirates Group, including aviation services subsidiary dnata, posted a profit of Dh3.6 billion, while maintaining a substantial cash position of 54.1 billion dirhams to support operations and obligations.
  • Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, expressed "measured optimism" for the second half of the fiscal year while maintaining close watch on costs and geopolitical developments.
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Khaleej Times broke the news in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (the) on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
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