The Emirates Group received more than 3.5 million job applications during its 2025–2026 financial year, according to company data, averaging around 400 applications per hour or 7 every minute. The figures place the group among the most sought-after employers in global aviation at a time when many carriers are struggling to attract qualified staff.
Of the 3.5 million applications, the group screened approximately 390,000 candidates through its Mossaher digital recruitment platform, using automated systems to evaluate applicants across its different divisions. From that pool, 9,700 people were hired, bringing the group’s total headcount to 130,919 by end of March 2026, the highest figure in the company’s history. The workforce spans 85 countries and more than 180 nationalities.
The group’s businesses include Emirates airline, Dnata, and a cluster of subsidiaries operating in ground handling, travel, logistics, and related services. Roles filled ranged from pilots and cabin crew to engineers, technology specialists, and finance and operations staff. The hiring push was accompanied by investment in new training infrastructure, including a cabin crew training centre and a hospitality centre of excellence.
The scale of the hiring pipeline reflects planned growth well beyond the current financial year. Adel Al Redha, deputy president and chief operating officer of Emirates airline, said previously that the company expects to need more than 20,000 additional employees over the five years to 2031 across most departments. The airline also committed in June 2025 to recruiting more than 1,500 new pilots by 2027.
The broader context is one of significant fleet and infrastructure expansion. The group has 367 aircraft on order, and is preparing for an eventual move to Al Maktoum International Airport as Dubai’s primary hub. Dnata is also continuing to expand in international markets.
