Waiting in long immigration queues after a 10-12 hour flight to the US may soon be a thing of the past. The US and UAE are close to concluding an agreement whereby US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials will operate a pre-clearance checkpoint at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Once the checkpoint becomes functional, flights from Abu Dhabi to the US will land at domestic terminals, without the need for further immigration and customs checks. Passengers could leave US airports just like domestic travellers.

The agreement will come as good news for Indian passengers as they will have the option to avail of pre-clearance facility ? for instance, by flying by Jet Airways to Abu Dhabi and taking the onward flight to the US. The Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways is expected to use Abu Dhabi as a hub for international operations after Wednesday’s announcement of a stake sale to Etihad Airways.

The memorandum of understanding for increasing seats from India to Abu Dhabi has been signed by the Indian government and is awaiting clearance from the Union Cabinet.

According to US media reports, the department of homeland security has reached an agreement with UAE on how to operate the checkpoint and outlined the facilities required at the Abu Dhabi airport.

The CBP checkpoint is likely to come up at the new Midway Terminal of the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Incidentally, Jet Airways is expected to make use of the Midway Terminal for its hub.

* Jet-Etihad deal will benefit flyers, says Ajit Singh

?The pre-clearance agreement with the UAE will enhance our aviation security by allowing US security officials to screen passengers before they board flights bound for the US,? Jenny Burke, a CBP spokeswoman told US newspapers recently. ?This further underscores our commitment to protecting the safety and security of our citizens while also streamlining legitimate travel and commerce.?

?It will be a big deal when it opens, mark my words. It?s a big win for Abu Dhabi and it will help spur growth in the region,? Daniel Molloy, acting chief development officer at Abu Dhabi Airports had recently said at a conference. ?You land in the US and you?re off ? no need for further immigration and baggage checks.?

US has pre-clearance checkpoints at nine airports in Canada, four in the Caribbean Islands and two in Ireland. The US pre-clearance programme began with the Toronto airport in 1952.

For jet-setters

* US Customs & Border Protection has preclearance at 9 airports in Canada, 4 in the the Caribbean and 2 in Ireland

* US immigration & customs officials undertake baggage screening & visa checks at these locations for US flights

* The flights then land at domestic terminals at US airports and passengers need no further passport checks

* Preclearance helps eliminate the need to stand in long immigration queues at airports in the US

* Preclearance is meant for easing travel procedures

and the US began the practice at Toronto airport in 1952