The Emirates Group has announced its strongest financial results ever for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, posting a record pre-tax profit of AED 22.7 billion (US$ 6.2 billion), marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s total revenue climbed 6% to AED 145.4 billion (US$ 39.6 billion), while cash reserves rose by 13% to reach AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also hit a new high of AED 42.2 billion (US$ 11.5 billion), reflecting strong operational efficiency.

At the forefront, Emirates airline delivered a pre-tax profit of AED 21.2 billion (US$ 5.8 billion), up 20%, alongside record revenues of AED 127.9 billion (US$ 34.9 billion). The airline’s cash holdings increased by 16% to AED 49.7 billion (US$ 13.5 billion). Emirates expanded its route network to 148 cities across 80 countries, introducing new destinations such as Bogotá and Madagascar, while resuming flights to major cities including Phnom Penh, Lagos, Adelaide, and Edinburgh.

The carrier enhanced services to 21 destinations and strengthened its global connectivity through 33 codeshare and 118 interline agreements, providing access to over 1,750 cities worldwide. Passenger and cargo capacity grew by 4% to 60.0 billion Available Ton Kilometers (ATKMs), nearing pre-pandemic levels. The fleet expanded with the addition of Airbus A350 aircraft, bringing the total to 260 planes, with an average fleet age of 10.7 years and a substantial order backlog to support future growth.

Dnata, the Group’s aviation services division, also posted solid gains, recording a pre-tax profit of AED 1.6 billion (US$ 430 million), a 2% increase, and revenues up 10% to AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.8 billion). The division’s cash reserves stood at AED 3.7 billion (US$ 1 billion).

This fiscal year was the first affected by the UAE’s newly implemented corporate tax, resulting in a 9% tax charge and a net profit after tax of AED 20.5 billion (US$ 5.6 billion). The Emirates Group declared a dividend payout of AED 6.0 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) to its sole shareholder, the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Additionally, employees will benefit from a record bonus equivalent to 22 weeks’ salary.

Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to strong leadership, a resilient business model, and Dubai’s dynamic economic environment. He highlighted plans to reinvest profits into enhancing customer experience, employee welfare, and technological advancements to maintain the Group’s competitive edge.

Emirates’ ongoing network expansion, operational excellence, and premium service focus have solidified its status as the world’s most profitable airline and positioned the Emirates Group as the leading global aviation group for the 2024-25 financial year.

Morocco is embarking on a transformative $4.2 billion investment to modernize its main airports over the next five years, aiming to accommodate a surge in international visitors as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain. The ambitious plan, officially announced by the Moroccan government in agreement with the national airports authority ONDA, seeks to more than double the country’s airport capacity from 38 million passengers currently to 80 million by 2030.

Central to this overhaul is Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest aviation hub. Here, a major expansion will include the construction of a new terminal and an additional runway, projected to cost around $2.5 billion and increase capacity by 20 million passengers annually. Other key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for upgrades and expansion, spreading the benefits of this infrastructure push across the country.

Funding for the project will allocate 25 billion dirhams ($2.7 billion) toward airport expansions and 13 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion) toward maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition. This comprehensive effort not only prepares Morocco for the logistical demands of hosting a global sports spectacle but also supports the nation’s fast-growing tourism sector, which experienced a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024 a 20% increase from the previous year. Morocco targets attracting 26 million tourists by the World Cup year 2030, further solidifying tourism as a pillar of its economic growth strategy.

The surge in tourism is part of a broader regional trend, with North African destinations like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia gaining popularity among British travellers, in part due to high-quality yet affordable hotel options that rival those in traditional European hotspots. UK flight routes and accommodation searches to these countries have seen significant increases, indicating a growing market that Morocco’s upgraded airport infrastructure is primed to serve.

As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, Morocco’s airport revamp underscores its determination to leverage the event as a catalyst for broader economic development, positioning the nation as a regional aviation hub and a premier international tourist destination.

Emirates is turning retired aircraft interiors into chic, eco-friendly luggage with its newly launched “Aircrafted by Emirates 2025 Collection.” After the sellout success of its 2023 debut, the Dubai-based airline has unveiled a second limited-edition series featuring 167 handmade bags crafted from materials salvaged during its multi-billion-dollar fleet retrofit project. These unique collector pieces trolley bags, backpacks, and handbags are now available exclusively through the Emirates Official Store, priced between $80 and $350.

The bags are genuine artifacts of aviation history, created from elements reclaimed from Emirates’ iconic Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 planes. Upcycled components include aluminum headrests, genuine leather from First and Business Class seats, and even the faux-fur lining from the Captain’s chair.

All materials undergo thorough laundering, deep cleaning, disinfecting, and conditioning before being transformed into luxury bags enhanced with new linings, functional zippers, and some featuring Emirates seatbelts as straps.

What sets this collection apart is that every piece is handcrafted by Emirates’ team of 14 skilled cabin tailors traditionally responsible for aircraft interior repairs who now work full-time on this sustainable creative initiative. This hands-on approach transforms industrial waste into fashion statements while providing meaningful employment within the airline’s Engineering facility in Dubai.

The Aircrafted initiative is not merely a marketing stunt; it is a direct offshoot of Emirates’ vast retrofit program launched in 2022, aiming to upgrade 219 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft with thousands of new Premium Economy, First Class, and Business Class seats. So far, over 30,000 kilograms of aircraft materials have been repurposed, demonstrating how large-scale aviation projects can embrace circular economy principles with aesthetic and environmental benefits.

Moreover, the project blends luxury fashion with philanthropy. Proceeds from the collection support the Emirates Airline Foundation, benefiting children in need worldwide. The airline’s inaugural Aircrafted collection raised more than $17,000 for this cause, and the 2025 lineup continues this commitment, combining stylish upcycling with social impact.

Emirates’ Aircrafted by Emirates collection offers an inspiring vision for sustainable luxury where heritage, craftsmanship, and eco-conscious innovation meet setting a new standard for the Gulf region and global fashion enthusiasts seeking thoughtful, responsible style.

In a bid to enhance security and streamline traffic at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the airport authority has introduced new entry restrictions limiting the number of accompanying persons per passenger. Effective Sunday, only two individuals will be allowed to accompany or receive passengers at the Departure Driveway and Arrival Canopy areas.

The official notification released by HSIA on Friday highlights that this measure aims to ensure smoother passenger movement, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen security within the airport premises. The authority has urged visitors to cooperate and maintain orderly conduct while navigating the airport.

Passengers and their companions are encouraged to adhere to the new guidelines to help maintain a safe and efficient environment for everyone at Bangladesh’s busiest international gateway.

In a landmark moment for both its fleet and passenger experience, Etihad Airways has received its first Airbus A321LR at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg a major milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory and a bold step in redefining single-aisle travel.

The new A321LR is the first of 30 such jets set to join the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, ushering in a new era where widebody amenities and luxurious innovations are available on shorter routes. Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, hailed the delivery as “an extraordinary moment,” emphasizing the airline’s mission to deliver “luxury at every altitude” and across its expanding global network.

Among the jet’s standout features is Etihad’s inaugural narrowbody First Suites cabin—a first for the airline. These private suites offer sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches reminiscent of the airline’s long-haul flagship products. Window seats are further enhanced by 20-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and companion seating, blurring the line between widebody and narrowbody experiences.

The 14-seat Business Class cabin features a 1-1 herringbone layout akin to widebody flagships, with direct aisle and window access for every guest. Each seat sports a 17.3-inch 4K screen, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity, elevating comfort and privacy on short-haul journeys.

Etihad’s Economy Class also receives a premium upgrade, offering 144 seats with extra space, 13.3-inch 4K seatback touchscreens, USB charging, and Bluetooth connection for personal headphones plus over a thousand hours of content. Increased overhead luggage space also brings widebody convenience to the narrowbody segment.

Airbus Executive Vice President Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, commented on the delivery: “The arrival of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR symbolizes innovation and partnership, deepening the longstanding bond between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new comfort benchmark for single-aisle jets and expands Etihad’s global reach from Abu Dhabi.”

The A321LR is also equipped with next-generation Viasat Wi-Fi, promising lightning-fast speeds reaching 100’s of Mbps for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming at cruising altitude. This gate-to-gate connectivity will be available on Asian routes from September 2025, ensuring travelers stay productive and entertained throughout their journey.

Set to debut commercially on 1 August 2025 on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, the A321LR will soon serve a diverse mix of both short- and medium-haul destinations, including Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Tunis, Zurich, and more. The aircraft’s arrival is a key pillar in Etihad’s “Journey 2030” vision to reinforce Abu Dhabi as a world-class aviation hub and support the airline’s goal of reaching 38 million annual passengers by 2030.

With another nine A321LRs landing in 2025 and an ambitious slate of 27 new routes in a single year, Etihad is poised to bring the luxury of widebody flying to more travelers and more destinations than ever before—raising the bar for what’s possible in single-aisle aviation.

Etihad Airways is ramping up its expansion in 2025 by adding seven new routes that will enhance Abu Dhabi’s connectivity across the Gulf, Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This strategy is designed to drive more direct point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi, positioning the city as a key hub for tourism, culture, and trade.

The new destinations include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Medina in Saudi Arabia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Yerevan in Armenia. Flights to Medina will begin on November 9, 2025, operating six times a week, while services to the other six cities will start from early March 2026, with weekly frequencies ranging between four and ten flights.

Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted that these destinations connect Abu Dhabi to rapidly growing and culturally rich regions, stimulating tourism and economic activity. He noted the diversity of attractions these cities offer, from Medina’s religious significance to the vibrant urban culture of Baku and Almaty, and the historic depth of Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Bucharest.

 In total, Etihad will have added or announced 27 new routes in 2025, reflecting a significant milestone in its network growth and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s development as a global travel center.

Earlier in the year, Etihad launched routes to Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta, with 13 more additions expected later in 2025. The airline also revealed seasonal summer destinations for 2026, including Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, targeting peak travel periods.

Each new city brings unique appeal: Medina attracts pilgrims with its spiritual heritage and iconic mosques; Bucharest offers elegant architecture and lively urban life; Tbilisi balances old-world charm and modern vibrancy; Yerevan boasts ancient history and a rich cultural scene; Baku stands out with its striking mix of tradition and futuristic design; Almaty provides a blend of natural alpine beauty and cosmopolitan buzz; and Tashkent offers a combination of historic sites and contemporary developments.

These additions will simplify travel to and from Abu Dhabi for business, leisure, and pilgrimage travelers alike, supported by Etihad’s world-class service and seamless connections. This expansion underlines Etihad’s vision of solidifying Abu Dhabi as a premier international aviation hub linking diverse regions around the globe.