Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports has announced the full transition of the Zayed International Airport’s US customs preclearance facility(US CBP), following rigorous system and protocol vetting with US CBP to ensure smooth and secure processing. Abu Dhabi Airport has confirmed that the advanced facility is fully operational.
Travelers departing for the United States from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport can now bypass lengthy immigration and customs lines on arrival, gratitude to the airport’s new state-of-the-art US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Preclearance facility.
Passengers will now satisfy all US immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before leaving Abu Dhabi, allowing a streamlined entry into the US. This new customs preclearance facility incorporates cutting-edge biometric technology, including facial distinction at dedicated CBP boarding gates, which raises security and efficiency across operations.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, commended the collaborative effort with US CBP, describing the facility as a “distinctive travel experience” and a testament to Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to lead as a major travel hub. Elena Sorlini highlighted the preclearance as outstanding in the region, delivering an elevated level of service and convenience for passengers traveling to the US.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, echoed this sentiment, noting that with all Etihad flights now pre-clearing in Abu Dhabi, travelers benefit from seamless transfers within the US, particularly reducing connection times. Neves emphasized that travelers value the convenience and security offered by clearing customs before arrival, adding that this enhancement is a key motivation for many to choose Etihad.
The launch of the US CBP facility comes just days before Zayed International Airport’s first anniversary celebrations, hardening its reputation as a premier aviation hub. With a vision to transform Abu Dhabi into a leading global travel destination, the airport continues to prioritize passenger convenience and operational excellence.