US Customs and Border Protection facility opens at Abu Dhabi Airport
For Etihad Airways passengers
Abu Dhabi Airports has formally opened the new United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facility at Zayed International Airport.
The US preclearance facility, the first in the Middle East and Asia region, allows passengers on all direct Etihad Airways flights to the United States to complete immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departing Abu Dhabi, bypassing the need for long queues upon arrival in the US.
The facility, which underwent a rigorous vetting process in collaboration with US CBP, features biometric technology, including facial recognition systems at dedicated boarding gates. The technology enhances security and speeds up the processing time for US-bound passengers, ensuring an efficient and smooth journey.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “This facility strengthens our ambition to be a leading travel hub, offering passengers a distinctive experience unparalleled in our region. We are incredibly proud to be the first in the Middle East and Asia to offer US preclearance, reaffirming our commitment to world-class service.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, added: “This milestone reinforces Abu Dhabi as the most convenient gateway to the US for travellers from across the region. With all Etihad flights now pre-clearing in Abu Dhabi, our passengers can bypass [US] arrival queues and enjoy connections through our partner airlines.”
The opening of the new US CBP facility comes ahead of Zayed International Airport’s first anniversary.
US CBP is the primary border enforcement agency in the United States. It is responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade and travel. It ensures that goods entering the country comply with regulations, prevents the illegal entry of people, and maintains border security.
CBP’s duties include inspecting and processing international visitors, enforcing customs duties, and protecting US agriculture and the economy from potential threats. The agency operates across air, sea, and land borders and is a key component of US Homeland Security.
Featured image: The US preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport is the first in the Middle East and Asia region. Credit: US CBP
Last Updated on 4 weeks by Arnold Pinto
