U.S. Preclearance Resumes for Some Abu Dhabi Flights

U.S. immigration preclearance has resumed for some Etihad Airways flights departing Abu Dhabi for the United States, according to September 2026 traveler reports. Passengers on these flights receive an updated I-94 arrival record before departure, allowing them to arrive in the U.S. As domestic passengers.

Etihad's customer service, however, presented a contradictory message during the same period. The airline stated the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport was "temporarily closed" and offered no exact timetable for reopening. This indicates operations are currently uneven and flight-specific.

Travelers are advised to verify the preclearance status for their specific Etihad flight number and travel date. A general airport status is insufficient, as the service can vary between departures.

Preclearance Operations Are Inconsistent

Recent travel accounts from September 2026 describe two possible experiences for passengers. Some travelers completed U.S. Immigration, customs, and security screening in Abu Dhabi. Others on different flights bypassed the facility entirely and handled all U.S. Entry formalities after landing.

The earlier temporary closure appears to have been followed by a partial or staggered restart rather than a uniform resumption of service. The system now differs from one departure to another.

Airline Message Contradicts Passenger Reports

A September 2026 message attributed to Etihad customer service stated, "Currently, there is no exact time frame. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility in Zayed International Airport is temporarily closed."

This official notice of a closure existed alongside passenger reports documenting active preclearance. The two records point to inconsistent information and operational presentation across services.

Process for Active Preclearance Flights

When the facility is operating for a specific flight, passengers must complete four steps before departure: U.S. Immigration inspection, customs declaration, and security screening. Travel guidance places the facility in Terminal A / Pier C.

The facility closes 60 minutes before departure, making airport timing critical. A passenger who completes these steps can disembark in the United States as a domestic arrival, having already finished the usual post-landing immigration process.

Abu Dhabi's Role as a Regional Hub

The source material describes Abu Dhabi as the only U.S. Preclearance location in the Middle East. It is identified as a long-running U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation at Zayed International Airport.

This regional role means the facility can alter the arrival process for passengers on participating flights. It does not guarantee every U.S.-bound departure receives preclearance. The final operational step remains a flight-specific check close to the travel date.