There are only so many international airports in the US, and with thousands of flights pouring in from across the world, any stress valve that can relieve the pressure, like the planned development in Abu Dhabi, is a welcome relief from those horrendous lines. With a customs and immigration port in Abu Dhabi, travelers from the region would beat the lines and be able to deboard anywhere in the United States, sans the long wait at airports like the LAX.

A pact signed by the US and Abu Dhabi in April this year to establish a base in the emirate for US Customs and Border Protection agents to screen passengers on US-bound flights is emerging as the key reason why Jet Airways sought a three-fold increase in seats entitlements, coinciding with its partnership discussions with Etihad Airways.

The development also seems to be the compelling reason for Jet to plan a shift from Brussels to Abu Dhabi as its hub for international operations after the announcement of a 24 per cent stake sale to Etihad in April.

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