(Getty Images/Lonely Planet Image)
It will soon be easier to go through US customs in Abu Dhabi than at JFK — thanks to our tax dollars.
US Customs and Border Patrol plans to spend more than $400,000 a year to run a controversial preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, from which fewer than 1,000 passengers head to the United States every day.
The Department of Homeland Security and the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement in April to build the facility in super-wealthy Abu Dhabi, with the US kicking in $425,000 a year.
The agreement has incensed US legislators, airline-industry groups and flier-advocacy organizations.
Currently, five countries — Ireland, Canada, Bermuda, Aruba and the Bahamas — have facilities that allow fliers to be screened abroad and then enter the US like domestic passengers.
“It’s outrageous that the federal government is helping a handful of travelers breeze into the US from a foreign country while millions who rely on JFK endure hourlong wait times that hurt our airports and our city’s brand,” said Joseph Sitt, chairman of the Global Gateway Alliance, which focuses on challenges facing metropolitan airports.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) told The Post, “Customs and Border Patrol should be doing everything possible to reduce delays for American travelers and American-based airlines.
“We should be taking a hard look to see if this facility is the most effective and efficient way to achieve that goal, and act accordingly,” he said.