Emirates Group Reports Record AED 12.2 Billion Half-Year Profit, Strengthening Global Leadership

Emirates Group Reports Record AED 12.2 Billion Half-Year Profit, Strengthening Global Leadership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 10, 2025

The Emirates Group has announced its strongest-ever half-year financial results, posting a record profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (USD 3.3 billion) for the first six months of FY2025–26, marking a 17% increase year-on-year. This milestone also represents the Group’s fourth consecutive period of record profitability, reaffirming its position as the world’s most profitable airline group.

The Group’s profit after tax stood at AED 10.6 billion (USD 2.9 billion), up 13% from last year, while revenues rose 4% to AED 75.4 billion (USD 20.6 billion). Supported by strong passenger demand and expanding operations, Emirates Group maintained a healthy EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (USD 5.7 billion).

As of September 30, 2025, the Group’s cash position reached a record AED 56 billion (USD 15.2 billion), ensuring financial flexibility for new aircraft deliveries, debt servicing, and future investments.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said:

“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025–26. Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period.”

He added that the success reflects “unflagging demand and growing customer preference for Emirates’ product and service excellence,” supporting ongoing investments in innovation, technology, and sustainability.

Airline Performance

Emirates Airline delivered a record half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (USD 3.1 billion), up 17% year-on-year, with revenues reaching AED 65.6 billion (USD 17.9 billion). The growth was fueled by strong travel demand, particularly for premium cabins, and new route expansions.

Between April and September 2025, Emirates launched new services to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, expanding its network to 153 destinations across 81 countries. The airline also added 28 new weekly flights to key routes, enhancing global connectivity.

Fleet expansion continued with the delivery of five new A350 aircraft and 23 aircraft retrofits under a USD 5 billion modernisation programme. Emirates Premium Economy, now available on 61 routes, remained a key contributor to revenue growth.

The airline also unveiled ‘Emirates First’, an exclusive check-in experience for First Class passengers and Platinum Skywards members at Dubai Airport, and expanded its global retail store presence in cities like Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.

Sustainability remained central, with Emirates uplifting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at 37 airports and joining the Aviation Circularity Consortium to promote greener practices.

Passenger traffic rose 4% to 27.8 million, while Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes of freight, up 4% year-on-year. The airline also launched Courier Express, a new express delivery service for businesses.

dnata Performance

dnata reported its highest-ever half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (USD 3.2 billion), up 13% year-on-year. Profit before tax rose 17% to AED 843 million (USD 230 million), while profit after tax reached AED 697 million (USD 190 million).

Airport operations contributed AED 5.5 billion (USD 1.5 billion), a 15% rise supported by expanded services in Italy, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. The company handled 450,903 aircraft turns, up 15%, and cargo volumes grew 3% to 1.59 million tonnes.

dnata’s catering and retail division generated AED 4.1 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in revenue, up 11%, while its travel division reached AED 2 billion (USD 538 million) in revenue, with a total transaction value of AED 5 billion (USD 1.4 billion).

The company invested USD 110 million in new ground support equipment and launched its marhaba hospitality brand in the UK. dnata also acquired a minority stake in WonderMiles, a next-generation booking platform, and entered its first major sports sponsorship with Dubai Basketball.

Concluding on a strong note, Sheikh Ahmed said,

“Global demand for air transport remains buoyant despite geopolitical and economic pressures. Emirates and dnata are positioned for continued growth, with new A350 aircraft joining the fleet and expanded facilities supporting dnata’s international operations.”

With record-breaking results and a continued focus on excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the Emirates Group remains a symbol of resilience and leadership in the global aviation industry.


InterGlobe Expands European Presence with Miiro Spittelberg Opening in Vienna

InterGlobe Expands European Presence with Miiro Spittelberg Opening in Vienna

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

InterGlobe Enterprises has announced the grand opening of Miiro Spittelberg in Vienna, the latest addition to its expanding European hospitality portfolio under the lifestyle brand Miiro. Bookings are now open for stays beginning April 1, 2026, marking the brand’s second hotel in Vienna and sixth launch in less than eighteen months.

Located in the charming Spittelberg district, known for its cobblestoned lanes, artisan boutiques, and vibrant cafés, Miiro Spittelberg offers guests a playful yet refined retreat just steps away from the Museum Quartier and other cultural landmarks. The hotel features 132 elegantly designed rooms and suites, adorned with warm neutrals, bold colour accents, and soft lighting. Each room embodies Miiro’s signature “Brilliantly Considered” design philosophy, offering plush beds, rainfall showers, reading nooks, and Le Labo toiletries.

The hotel’s dining and bar experience reflects a seamless transition from day to night, rooted in European café culture and infused with an Italian spirit that encourages both quiet indulgence and lively gatherings. Guests can also enjoy additional spaces including a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Speaking on the occasion, Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, said,

“With the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, we continue to strengthen our presence in Europe’s most culturally rich cities. The hotel reflects our commitment to creating immersive, design-led experiences that truly resonate with the spirit of each neighbourhood. Following successful openings in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London, we are excited to bring Miiro’s brand promise of ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ to Vienna and continue our expansion.”

To celebrate the opening, Miiro Spittelberg is offering an exclusive launch offer, 20% off the best available rate along with a €30 on-site credit. Bookings can be made at www.miirohotels.com/spittelberg.

Launched in 2024, Miiro has quickly emerged as a collection of design-led hotels that embody the local charm, culture, and character of Europe’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. With properties already open in Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, and several new launches in the pipeline, Miiro continues to redefine contemporary hospitality through immersive and experiential stays. InterGlobe’s wider international portfolio also includes hotels in Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne, further cementing its global presence in hospitality.


Royal Caribbean Unveils Exciting Caribbean Voyages for 2027–28

Royal Caribbean Unveils Exciting Caribbean Voyages for 2027–28

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean has announced its next-level lineup of Caribbean adventures for 2027–28, offering travelers year-round opportunities to explore the tropics from Florida. Starting April 2027, the cruise line will feature an array of 2- to 8-night Caribbean vacations, including 7-night voyages on the spectacular Star of the Seas and the newly amplified Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Guests can also enjoy Oasis Class short getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Wonder of the Seas from Miami.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, its newest icon of vacations, will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Port Canaveral with stops at the cruise line’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The upcoming itineraries also mark Royal Caribbean’s grand return to Samaná in the Dominican Republic, where guests can enjoy scenic hikes, whale watching, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

The 2027–28 lineup extends to three Florida homeports, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa, making island-hopping across the Caribbean and The Bahamas easier than ever. Travelers can look forward to visiting exciting destinations such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. In addition, Royal Caribbean’s much-anticipated Perfect Day Mexico will debut in late 2027, expanding its collection of ultimate beach destinations.

From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will continue to deliver world-class family vacations with more than 40 dining and entertainment experiences, including “Back to the Future: The Musical” and the largest waterpark at sea. Utopia of the Seas will cater to travelers seeking weekend escapes with 3- and 4-night voyages featuring stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

The refreshed Harmony of the Seas, post its 2026 amplification, will sail 7-night adventures to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica, along with visits to Royal Caribbean’s beach clubs. Guests can unwind on the new Caribbean-themed pool deck or enjoy tropical drinks at The Lime & Coconut.

From Miami, Wonder of the Seas will operate short 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas, featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay and access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Meanwhile, Radiance of the Seas from Tampa will offer a mix of 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

With its combination of new destinations, upgraded ships, and beach club experiences, Royal Caribbean continues to redefine the Caribbean cruise experience for travelers seeking unforgettable vacations.


China Extends Visa-Free Policy to End-2026, Adds Sweden to the List

China Extends Visa-Free Policy to End-2026, Adds Sweden to the List

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 5, 2025

China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for 45 countries until December 31, 2026, while adding Sweden to the list starting November 10, 2025. The initiative aims to attract more international visitors, revive tourism, and enhance foreign engagement in the post-pandemic era.

The extension applies to 32 European countries, along with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Gulf nations, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department. Under this policy, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

Originally set to expire at the end of 2025 for many countries, the programme’s renewal and expansion underscore China’s ongoing efforts to revive its tourism sector, which was severely affected by years of COVID-19 restrictions. The visa-free entry scheme has been a key part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen international ties and encourage people-to-people exchanges.

The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom remain excluded from the policy.

China is also taking steps to ease tensions and improve cooperation with the European Union (EU), one of its most significant trading partners. Following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea last week, Beijing confirmed a one-year suspension of expanded rare earth export controls, which will also extend to the EU.

In a joint statement after discussions in Brussels, both sides agreed to maintain communication and promote the stability of industrial and supply chains, signalling a shared intent to foster smoother economic relations despite ongoing trade challenges.

This renewed visa-free policy, coupled with China’s diplomatic outreach, represents a strategic push to enhance cross-border mobility, economic collaboration, and tourism, further positioning the country as a welcoming destination for global travellers.

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