Turkey is among the nine countries where the US is considering expanding airline preclearance operations, said the Department of Homeland Security on Friday.

Other countries where the department said it was entering negotiations to add preclearance programmes include Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK, where Heathrow and Manchester airports are on the list.

Pre-clearance allows US customs officers stationed in other countries to decide if travellers and their baggage can be permitted into the United States. That alleviates the crush of people attempting to clear customs after arrival.

"Preclearance is a win-win for the traveling public. It provides aviation and homeland security, and it reduces wait times upon arrival at the busiest US airports," Homeland Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement.

Airlines for America, the industry trade organization for US airlines, applauded the move.

"US airlines drive $1.5 trillion in economic activity, and by improving the passenger experience for visitors or those returning to the United States, while improving security, we can build on that," said A4A President & CEO Nick Calio. – Reuters