Etihad opens new preclearance lounge at Zayed International Airport

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Etihad opens new preclearance lounge at Zayed International Airport

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By Sky Industry News

Jan 3, 2025

Etihad Airways has inaugurated a new US Preclearance Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The lounge is designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers flying to the United States, offering them an elevated journey before boarding their flights.

Located near the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility, the lounge provides a selection of beverages and light dining options. John Wright, Chief Operations & Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, commented on this development: "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 U.S. 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 facility allows passengers to complete all US customs and immigration formalities before boarding at AUH, saving time upon arrival in the United States. Direct boarding from the lounge is available on select flights.

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Access to the lounge is exclusive to passengers flying to the United States in The Residence, first class or business class. Platinum and Emerald members of the Etihad Guest program are also eligible, with access available for purchase subject to availability.

Etihad currently operates flights from Abu Dhabi to four US destinations: Boston (BOS), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington DC (IAD). The airline primarily uses its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for these routes but also deploys Airbus A380 superjumbos on popular routes like New York (JFK).

The airline's longest route from Abu Dhabi is to Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 7,275 miles. Despite retiring its fleet of A380s during the global pandemic due to economic reasons, Etihad resumed using them as air travel demand increased.