The only US Preclearance Facility in Middle East & Asia

·                Passengers on all direct Etihad Airways (EY) US flights are now pre-cleared for US immigration before departure from Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – October 31, 2024: Abu Dhabi Airports today announced the full transition of the new state-of-the-art United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facility to Zayed International Airport (AUH). The new Preclearance facility eliminates the need for lengthy queues upon arrival in the US, ensuring a smooth and expedited journey for all passengers when travelling to the United States from Abu Dhabi.

Following a smooth transition and close collaboration with US CBP, the new facility underwent an extensive and thorough vetting process confirming all protocols, and readiness of systems, equipment and personnel. The new US CBP facility will allow passengers to complete all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before departing from AUH.

The facility features a cutting-edge biometric technology platform, including facial comparison capture devices at dedicated CBP boarding gates, along with corresponding agent display devices, further enhancing security and efficiency.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: 'On behalf of Abu Dhabi Airports, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our team and our partners at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their exemplary and collaborative teamwork. This facility strengthens our ambition to be a leading travel hub, offering passengers a distinctive travel experience that is unparalleled in our region. We are incredibly proud to have completed the transition of the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility to Zayed International Airport. This is a unique offering that allows us to stand out in the region as the first and only US Preclearance and reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class services and convenience to our passengers.'

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: 'This milestone reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as the most convenient gateway to the United States for travellers from across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Asia, and we are proud to offer our guests this unparalleled experience. With all Etihad flights now pre-clearing in Abu Dhabi, our guests can bypass arrival queues and, if connecting within the US, enjoy seamless transfers with minimal connection times through our partner airlines. Our guests consistently tell us they value the efficiency and security that clearing customs before they arrive in the US affords them, and this is one of the many reasons they choose Etihad.

'We are grateful to our partners at Abu Dhabi Airports and US Customs and Border Protection who have enabled the opening of Zayed International Airport's new US Preclearance facility,' he continued.

The unveiling of the new US CBP facility comes just days ahead of Zayed International Airport's first anniversary celebrations, further cementing its position as a leading global aviation hub. The airport continues to prioritise passenger convenience and operational excellence, solidifying its commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all.