Etihad Airways has unveiled a new pre-clearance lounge at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, strategically located near the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-clearance facility. This move is designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States. According to the airline, the lounge offers “eligible guests a space to unwind after completing their US entry formalities and before boarding their flight.”
The Abu Dhabi hub is one of a select few worldwide to feature a US CBP Pre-clearance facility, providing significant convenience for travelers. This system allows passengers to complete all US customs and immigration processes before leaving Abu Dhabi. As a result, upon arrival in the United States, they are treated as domestic passengers. Etihad highlighted the benefits of this setup, stating, “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.” This facility has been positioned as a key selling point for travelers, particularly for the sizable market of passengers journeying between India and the United States.
John Wright, Etihad Airways’ chief operations and guest officer, emphasized the significance of the new lounge. “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,” he said.
The newly introduced US Pre-clearance Lounge is accessible to specific categories of travelers. Eligible guests include those flying in The Residence, First, or Business class, as well as Platinum and Emerald members of the Etihad Guest program. For other passengers, access to the lounge can be purchased, subject to availability. The facility is designed to complement Etihad’s premium travel experience. It features a variety of beverages and light dining options, ensuring travelers can relax in comfort before their flights. Additionally, some flights offer direct boarding from the lounge, further streamlining the journey for passengers. “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 stated.
Etihad currently operates nonstop flights to four destinations in the United States: Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington. Moreover, the airline has plans to expand its services with the introduction of flights to Atlanta in July 2025.