SNAFU an INDUSTRY like that should get support from its government in the form of helpful policy and EK does. Imagine if Oz governments were pro aviation over the last ten years instead of pro Auto. Sydney might actually have a second non curfew airport by now and a regulator that was helpful to you.....great for the industry. That's the kind of support EK gets because their government sees it as good for the country.
The Sheikh down the road bailed out the government's debt not the Airlines so EK would have been just fine. The IMF bailed out a bunch of countries too and how are their airlines doing?? Annoying as you might find it but EK is a well managed and successful business. It is integral to the success of Dubai and the government recognises that with policy not cash.