Emirates Group reported a profit after tax of $1 billion for the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, despite regional conflict, operational disruptions and sharply higher fuel costs.

The group's profit before tax stood at $1.1 billion for the six months ended September 30, down from the previous year's $3.1 billion. Revenue fell 12 per cent to $18 billion from $20.6 billion in the same period last year.

Emirates airline recorded a profit before tax of $1 billion, compared with $3.1 billion a year earlier. Its revenue declined 13 per cent to $15.5 billion, while profit after tax fell 66 per cent to $903 million.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the first half had been challenging, with regional conflict disrupting operations and jet fuel prices doubling year on year.

However, he said the group's resilience, strong customer demand and the contribution of its cargo business had helped it navigate the difficulties. The group also continued investing in its business and workforce.

Emirates has restored its network to 91 per cent of pre-disruption levels, serving 150 airports across 78 countries and territories. It carried 21.8 million passengers during the six-month period, down 22 per cent from a year earlier, while overall capacity declined 10 per cent.

The airline's cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo, transported 1.2 million tonnes of goods, a 1 per cent decline. However, cargo revenue rose 52 per cent, supported by reduced airfreight capacity across the market and disruptions to maritime transport.

Meanwhile, dnata, the group's airport services and travel division, reported revenue of $3 billion, down 7 per cent. Its profit before tax fell 51 per cent to $112 million, while profit after tax dropped 56 per cent to $84 million.

The group's workforce stood at 128,237 at the end of September, down 2 per cent from March 31. Despite the reduction, Emirates Group continued recruitment during the period.