Transport officials look to expand US pre-clearance at Irish airports

Transport officials are looking to extend US pre-clearance at Irish airports in response to losing exclusivity on the much sought-after service to other European airports in the coming years.

The US Department of Homeland Security last year said it was entering into negotiations with 10 foreign airports with a view to extending the coveted pre-clearance facilities to other countries in the coming years.

London’s Heathrow and Manchester Airports are among those currently in negotiations to secure US pre-clearance which allows passengers travelling to the US to complete all necessary immigration and customs inspections before arrival, saving travellers up to two hours on the other side of the Atlantic.