Abu Dhabi Airports Opens New U.S. Customs Facility

Abu Dhabi Airports has announced the official transition of the United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Preclearance facility to Zayed International Airport (AUH). The new, state-of-the-art facility streamlines travel to the United States by allowing passengers to complete all necessary immigration and customs processes before leaving Abu Dhabi. This advanced setup eliminates long queues upon arrival in the U.S., creating a smoother travel experience for all passengers headed stateside.

What Passengers Can Expect from the New Facility

The preclearance facility at Zayed International features cutting-edge biometric technology, including facial comparison capture devices installed at dedicated CBP boarding gates. This technology, coupled with comprehensive security checks, provides an efficient, secure, and convenient experience for travelers.

Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi to the United States will now have the opportunity to complete their U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before they even board their flight. This advancement means that upon landing in the United States, travelers can proceed directly to their final destination without additional customs processing, making the journey notably quicker and more seamless.

A Collaborative Effort with US Customs and Border Protection

The new facility, designed in close partnership with the US CBP, underwent a thorough evaluation process to ensure its readiness. All systems, equipment, and personnel have been meticulously prepared to meet U.S. standards and to serve passengers efficiently.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the teamwork that made the facility possible, saying, “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.”

Enhanced Convenience for Etihad Passengers

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, noted that the new facility enhances Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a major gateway to the United States. All Etihad flights to the U.S. now pre-clear customs in Abu Dhabi, allowing passengers to bypass arrival queues. This also simplifies connecting flights within the U.S., providing seamless transfers with reduced connection times.

“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,” Neves added.

A World-Class Facility for Regional and International Travelers

The opening of this preclearance facility is a milestone for Zayed International Airport, setting it apart as the first and only US Preclearance airport in the region. This unique service underscores Abu Dhabi Airports’ dedication to delivering top-tier services to passengers while establishing the emirate as a prime destination for international travel.

For those traveling from Abu Dhabi to the U.S., this new facility marks a major enhancement in convenience and efficiency. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or transit, passengers can look forward to an expedited experience, setting a new standard in international air travel.