Regulations and Government
U.S. Customs Official Defends Abu Dhabi Facility
U.S. airline groups contend that a customs pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport would mainly benefit government-owned carrier Etihad Airways. (Photo: Airbus)
U.S. airline groups contend that a customs pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport would mainly benefit government-owned carrier Etihad Airways. (Photo: Airbus)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is defending its plan to establish a customs pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport staffed by its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency but mostly funded by the host UAE government. Airline industry groups contend the facility will mainly benefit Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s government-owned airline, and place U.S. carriers at a disadvantage in competing for passengers transiting the region.