Abu Dhabi Airports has officially inaugurated the region’s first US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport (AUH). Operational since October 9, the state-of-the-art facility has already processed around 43,000 US-bound passengers, significantly reducing their wait times upon arrival in the United States.
Equipped with advanced technologies like facial comparison, simplified arrival, and a Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, the facility streamlines the customs process. Its opening marks a milestone in UAE-US relations and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub, according to Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
The new facility builds on the preclearance services previously available to Etihad Airways passengers since 2014 and is the only one of its kind in the Middle East and Asia. It enhances passenger experience by enabling expedited entry into the US, bolstered by the recent launch of the Global Entry partnership between the UAE and the US.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by top officials, including US Ambassador Martina Strong, who highlighted the facility’s role in strengthening UAE-US ties and fostering cultural and economic exchanges.
Etihad Airways currently operates 35 weekly flights to major US destinations such as Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC. A new premium guest lounge at the preclearance facility is set to open next month, further enhancing the travel experience for business and first-class passengers.
CBP Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner Judson Murdock praised the initiative for fostering tourism, international business, and connectivity between the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the US, emphasizing its broader impact on global peace and prosperity.
