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Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi could soon offer US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance. This would allow travelers to complete US immigration checks before departure, helping them arrive in the US as domestic passengers—saving time and avoiding long queues.
Exciting news could be on the horizon for passengers flying directly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi to the United States. Imagine landing in the US and being treated as a domestic arrival – no more lengthy customs and immigration lines!
This could soon become a reality as Delhi Airport, backed by GMR, has formally requested the central government to establish a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance facility at IGIA.
What Is US Preclearance?
US Preclearance is a process where travellers undergo US Immigration, customs, and security checks before boarding their flight at the departure airport itself. Once they land in the US, they are treated as domestic passengers, skipping the usual long lines at immigration.
This system is currently available at select international airports and is designed to make international arrivals in the US smoother and faster.
Why IGI Airport Wants Preclearance
According to a report by TOI, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), operated by GMR, has officially requested the Indian government to establish a US CBP Preclearance facility at IGIA.
With over 33 weekly nonstop flights to the US operated by Air India, and daily services from United Airlines and American Airlines, the demand is strong. And with Air India planning more US routes and IndiGo exploring long-haul operations, Delhi is poised to become a major US travel hub.
How Preclearance Would Benefit Travellers
Imagine this: You check in at Delhi, clear US immigration before boarding, and upon landing in New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, you just collect your bags and walk out.
Here are some key advantages for passengers:
• No immigration queues at crowded US airports
• Faster domestic connections after landing
• Shorter layovers due to pre-cleared status
• Less stress for economy travellers, who often face long wait times at US entry points
Many Indian travellers already opt for Etihad flights via Abu Dhabi, just to take advantage of its US preclearance. A facility in Delhi would eliminate that extra stop.
Strategic Impact: Delhi as a Global Hub
Adding US preclearance in Delhi could also:
• Attract US-bound travellers from nearby countries who prefer flying via India
• Reduce reliance on one-stop Gulf, European, or Southeast Asian hubs
• Support India’s vision to make IGIA a global aviation hub
An airport official noted, “Given the number of non-stop flights Delhi will soon have to the US, a CBP at IGIA will offer great convenience. Pre-cleared passengers will arrive as domestic passengers in the US.”
Where Else Does US Preclearance Exist?
The US CBP pre-clearance program has been operational since 1952 and currently exists at 15 locations across 6 countries:
• Ireland: Dublin (DUB), Shannon (SNN)
• Aruba: Aruba (AUA)
• Bermuda: Bermuda (BDA)
• United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• The Bahamas: Nassau (NAS)
• Canada: Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ), Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ), Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW), Vancouver (YVR), Victoria (YYJ), Winnipeg (YWG)
In 2019 alone, CBP personnel stationed at these international locations pre-cleared a staggering 22 million travellers, representing over 16 per cent of all commercial air travellers to the United States.
Win-Win: Benefits for Airlines and Airports Too
Beyond the obvious advantages for travelers, the establishment of a US pre-clearance facility at IGIA could also bring significant benefits to airlines and the airport itself.
For Airlines:
Cost Savings: Access to less expensive US domestic gates and more flexible arrival times at US airports.
Increased US Market Access: Potential to establish new routes to desirable US destinations, catering to growing traveller demand.
For Airports (like IGIA):
Terminal of the Future: Opportunities to implement innovative technologies like facial recognition biometrics, speeding up passenger processing and meeting the demands of increasing passenger volumes to the US.
New US Destinations: Enabling new direct routes to over 160 US airports, regardless of whether they have a CBP port of entry. This provides a competitive edge in attracting US-bound travellers.
When Will Delhi Get Preclearance?
Though DIAL has made the request, implementing US preclearance is a government-to-government agreement and may take time. However, growing air traffic and strong diplomatic ties between India and the US make this move highly likely.
Final Thoughts
If approved, US preclearance at Delhi Airport could redefine transatlantic travel for Indian flyers. With more US flights coming and the convenience of pre-arrival processing, IGIA could soon become a preferred gateway not just for India but for neighboring regions too.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/delhi-airport-may-offer-us-preclearance-facility/
