Etihad opens US pre-clearance lounge at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport

NEW DELHI: Etihad Airways — which offers pre-clearance for the US at its Abu Dhabi hub — has opened a new Etihad US pre-clearance lounge at Zayed International Airport. Close to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-clearance facility, the new lounge “provides eligible guests with a space to unwind after completing their US entry formalities and before boarding their flight,” the airline says.

“Flying with Etihad to the US offers the unique advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-clearance facility, one of only a few such facilities worldwide. By completing all US customs and immigration formalities before boarding in Abu Dhabi, guests arrive in the States as domestic passengers, saving valuable time upon arrival. Guests can simply collect their bags and go, or proceed seamlessly to their connecting flights,” the airline says. Etihad is using this facility to woo the huge travel market between India and the US.

Etihad Airways chief operations & guest officer John Wright said: “This new lounge marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests. By combining our premium lounge service with the convenience of US Preclearance, we’re offering our guests an elevated journey through Abu Dhabi before they even board their flight. Zayed International is the only Middle East hub to offer this time-saving service.”

The US Pre-clearance Lounge welcomes eligible guests travelling in The Residence, First or Business, as well as Platinum and Emerald Etihad Guest members. Access is also available for purchase, subject to availability. “The facility features a selection of beverages and light dining options, complementing Etihad's travel experience. Select flights offer the convenience of direct boarding from the lounge, enhancing the seamless journey,” the airline says.

Etihad currently serves four US destinations with nonstop flights to Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington. It will also launch services to Atlanta in July 2025.