Financial performance

dnata increased its profit before tax by 2% to AED 1.6 billion (US$ 437 million) in the financial year 2025-26*, with all business divisions reporting a solid performance, and notable contributions from its airport operations and catering and retail divisions. dnata’s profit after tax stood at AED 1.3 billion (US$ 367 million), a 4% decrease, which is primarily due to a higher UAE tax rate applied in 2025-26.

dnata's total revenue increased by 12% to hit a new record of AED 23.6 billion (US$ 6.4 billion), driven by increased flight and travel activity across the world, particularly in its major markets: Australia, Europe, the UAE, UK, and US.

dnata’s international businesses account for 77% of its revenue, up 2% points from the previous year.

Growing its future capabilities and capacity to meet customer needs, dnata’s investments in 2025-26 amounted to AED 858 million (US$ 234 million). Significant investments during the year included: new catering facilities in Perth and Western Sydney, a new cargo facility in Amsterdam, and new electric and hybrid ground support equipment for its airport operations as part of its environmental strategy.

dnata also acquired Wymap Group, an air cargo trucking specialist in Australia and New Zealand; and a 7% stake in WonderMiles, a New Distribution Capability (NDC)-enabled booking platform to strengthen our corporate and business travel offering.

dnata continued to actively manage its diverse portfolio of business interests in line with its corporate strategy. This year, dnata disposed of its 75% stake in Super Bus, which operates sightseeing tours in the UAE; and in Germany, it exited cargo operations in Cologne/Bonn.

In 2025-26, dnata’s operating costs increased by 13% to AED 22.1 billion (US$ 6.0 billion), in line with expanded operations in its Airport Operations, Catering & Retail, and Travel divisions.

dnata’s cash balance increased by AED 1.0 billion to AED 4.7 billion (US$ 1.3 billion), primarily due to operating cash flow. The business saw a positive operating cash flow of AED 2.4 billion (US$ 658 million) in 2025-26, reflecting healthy revenue contributions from its business divisions.

Revenue from dnata’s Airport Operations, including ground and cargo handling increased to AED 11.2 billion (US$ 3.1 billion).

The number of aircraft turns handled by dnata globally grew by 12% to 888,793; and cargo handled increased by 2% to 3.2 million tonnes, reflecting new contracts won, and increased flight activity by dnata’s airline customers across markets, particularly in its international operations.

This year, dnata announced a joint venture agreement to launch ground handling and cargo operations in Azerbaijan when the new Alat International airport opens in late 2027.

In Amsterdam, dnata opened a new and fully automated cargo facility, one of the largest of its kind with an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes, representing a €70 million investment.

In Itay, dnata integrated all its ground operations under its brand and business organisation after fully acquiring its local subsidiary. It also committed a further €20 million to procure modern ground service equipment (GSE) in Rome, and €25 million to build a new cargo facility in Milan. In Manchester, dnata launched its signature marhaba meet-and-greet services.

dnata’s Catering & Retail business accounted for AED 8.1 billion (US$ 2.2 billion) of dnata’s revenue, up by 13%, reflecting the success of its strategy to focus its service portfolio on strategic customer segments. The inflight catering business uplifted 115.3 million meals to airline customers, a 1% increase from last year.

The division won 22 contract renewals and 13 new customers in 2025-26, including a 5-year agreement to manage Aer Lingus’ inflight retail programme. It also expanded into Indonesia via a long-term management contract to provide expert catering support at Denpasar International Airport.

Revenue from dnata’s Travel Services division grew by 5% to AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion), with strong contributions from its UK travel business and Destination Asia.

Total transaction value (TTV) of travel services sold increased by 3% to AED 10.1 billion (US$ 2.7 billion), reflecting the division’s ability to deliver relevant B2B and B2C travel products across customer segments globally.

Throughout the year, the Travel division continued to strengthen its product portfolio, expand its partnerships and products for B2B and B2C customers, and enhance its technology to better serve customers and optimise operations. Notably, in 2025-26, Imagine Cruising officially launched in the US; Destination Asia introduced a specialist service for expedition cruising, and

its Events and Cruise Asia brands opened a new office in Seoul; and dnata Representation Services launched a new B2B online booking portal for its GSA products for travel trade partners.

In the UAE, dnata Travel signed on new corporate clients and new airline GSA contracts; while Arabian Adventures launched Nomad Garden, a new luxury desert experience, and enhanced its presence in Oman with bespoke itineraries.

In the UK, after completing a strategic review of its travel businesses, dnata announced the divestment of its online travel brands - Travel Republic and Netflights.

* The Emirates Group's financial year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following calendar year.