Concerns see airport duty free outlet shut

A DUTY-FREE shop recently opened at Shannon has been closed due to concerns of the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) personnel who are based at the airport.

The shop was opened adjacent to the gate where passengers depart to board US bound flights. It was to cater for passengers using flights to Shannon to avail of the Customs pre-clearance, which enables them access various US destinations without having to go through Customs.

When the shop was open, these passengers could buy duty-free products without having to go into the main terminal building.

A spokeswoman for the Shannon Airport Authority said: “I can confirm that a retail outlet located near the departures gates in Shannon Airport has been closed temporarily while the Airport Authority carry out a joint review with CBP of the procedures for the sale of duty-free items to passengers post-inspection. It is envisioned that this shop will re-open shortly. A full range of duty-free products remains available for sale to all passengers in The Loop, our main duty-free store in the terminal building.”

The new €21 million US Customs and Border Patrol facility commenced operations at Shannon last September.

The facility enables US government personnel carry out nuclear and radiation screening of passengers and items.

The enhanced security features are part of the first US Customs and Borders pre-clearance facility in Europe.

Shannon Airport Authority (SAA) chairman Pat Shanahan described the opening of the facility as “a milestone for the airport”.

“It is a great innovative opportunity for Shannon and offers us the opportunity to grow our transatlantic traffic,” he said.

By using the pre-clearance facilities at Shannon, passengers making onward journeys in the US will be subject to no further customs or clearance checks as it allows passengers to arrive at any US airport as “domestic passengers”.

Along with Continental Airlines, Delta and US Airways have signed up to use the pre-clearance facilities.

Shannon expects the CBP operation at the airport will generate significant business from people wishing to get quick access into the US.

British Airways has launched an executive service from London which stops off at Shannon, geared towards business travellers who have tight schedules.