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Aviation: Northern Ireland

Asked by Joe RobertsonConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 14 July 2026UIN 16234

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had discussions with her US counterpart on allowing airports in Northern Ireland whose departing travellers fly to the United States to clear immigration in US airports as domestic flights.

Answered by Mike Tapp

A decision to explore the introduction of US pre-clearance at a UK airport is primarily a commercial decision for airport operators. An outline commercial agreement between an airport operator and US authorities would be required before any formal discussions between the UK and US governments could take place, however we stand ready to negotiate should this be forthcoming.

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