US Customs post in Dubai could create challenges for carriers, Emirates Airline chief says

People wait in line at the passport control area in Terminal 1 arrivals section at the Dubai International airport in Dubai. Randi Sokoloff / The National

The establishment of a US customs post in Dubai would create logistical challenges for carriers, according to the Emirates Airline chief.

Abu Dhabi International Airport established a post in January operated by US officials who can screen passengers before they board flights, avoiding long immigration lines at the other end.

It was expected that Dubai would also introduce a similar post.

"It is being looked at in Dubai by the Government," said Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airline. "But there are some logistical difficulties with the way we go about that in Dubai. Certain things have got to change but it is being talked about between the two governments."

Emirate’s inaugural flight to Boston landed on Monday as the carrier gears up to boost services into the country. Mr Clark said that the airline could deploy the A380 superjumbo on its Boston route within a year.

“Judging by our forward bookings over the next few months, which are full, it’s one of the routes which has grown so quickly that, give or take a few weeks in May, the summer period is looking particularly strong,” said Sir Tim.

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