First 'pre-clearance' flight leaves Shannon

The first pre-clearance US bound flight left Shannon Airport this morning which enables passengers to go through both US Immigration and Customs inspections before departing Ireland.

The agreement was announced by the US and Irish Governments last November and sees Shannon become the first European airport with pre-clearance for the US.

The move is seen as granting unique status to Shannon, opening a range of potential opportunities for services and setting it up as an international aviation gateway between Europe and the US.