Pre-clearance speeds up passenger flow as it allows customs and immigration formalities to be completed before the passengers board their flight to the United States. Brussels would be the third European airport to get such a facility, the other two being the Irish airports Dublin and Shannon.
This will give Brussels an advantage when it comes to attracting passengers, as entry into the US is slow due to complex procedures. Passengers who’ve completed preclearance in Brussels will be treated as domestic passengers when they land in the US.
The concept of a US pre-clearance facility in Brussels was first discussed in 2017. According to the deal, which was signed last week, 30 US customs officials will work from Brussels Airport.
The start date is yet to be announced, due to uncertainty caused by the governments’ coronavirus restrictions.
