Abu Dhabi Airports has officially unveiled the new United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport (AUH), marking a significant milestone in enhancing travel convenience for passengers bound for the United States. This state-of-the-art facility allows travellers departing from Abu Dhabi to complete all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before boarding, enabling a smooth, expedited entry into the US without the need for lengthy arrival queues.
Following a meticulous vetting process and close collaboration with US CBP, the transition was seamlessly executed, ensuring all protocols, systems, equipment, and personnel were fully operational and ready to serve. The facility’s advanced biometric technology, including facial recognition systems at dedicated CBP gates, provides an additional layer of security and efficiency.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, praised the teamwork that brought the facility to life, stating, “On behalf of Abu Dhabi Airports, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our team and our partners at the US 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 US Customs and Border Protection facility to Zayed International Airport. This unique offering allows us to stand out in the region as the first and only US Preclearance facility, reaffirming our commitment to delivering world-class services and convenience to our passengers.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, also highlighted the significance of the milestone, noting, “This milestone reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as the most convenient gateway to the United States for travelers from across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Asia. 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.”
The opening of this facility coincides with the upcoming first anniversary of Zayed International Airport, further establishing it as a premier global aviation hub. This new Preclearance facility not only elevates Abu Dhabi’s status in international travel but also reinforces the airport’s commitment to passenger convenience and operational excellence, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers bound for the United States.
