Emirates inflight catering costs rise 12% to Dh5.3 billion

Emirates reported that its spending on inflight catering and services rose by 12% to Dh5.316 billion during the financial year ending March 31, 2026. This represents an increase of Dh570 million compared to the previous fiscal year.

On average, the airline spent approximately Dh14.6 million per day, or Dh443 million per month, on food, beverages, and related onboard services. This expenditure accounted for roughly 4.9% of the airline’s total operating costs, which totaled Dh108.129 billion for the year. The catering bill ranked as one of the company’s largest operating expenses, following fuel, staff, depreciation, sales and marketing, and handling.

The increase in catering costs occurred alongside the airline’s expansion of its global network to 152 cities and its ongoing multibillion-dollar cabin retrofit programme. While total operating costs rose by 2%, the catering expense grew at a significantly faster rate.