SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is bracing for higher passenger traffic this weekend, with about 200,000 spectators expected for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the race presented an opportunity to maximise passenger and tourist flow through KLIA.
"We welcome the Grand Prix to Kuala Lumpur. It is a good opportunity for us," he told reporters after the welcoming reception for Gulf Air’s inaugural direct flight from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur at KLIA Terminal 1 on Wednesday (Sept 30)
Izani said a special task force involving MAHB and various government agencies had been formed to ensure the smooth movement of passengers during the event.
"We are here to make sure the flow will be smooth, and we will assist as best as we can," he said.
He said Sama-Sama Hotel at KLIA was also fully booked to accommodate guests attending the event.
Izani said about 200,000 spectators were expected over the three days of the race, with Sunday (Oct 4), the final day, expected to see the highest number of passengers.
"We want to make sure that the flow of people coming to the event is smooth. We will facilitate parking, but we strongly encourage visitors to use public transport to avoid congestion, as parking is limited," he said.
Malaysia is set to welcome F1 back to the circuit here after nine years, through the hosting of the F1 Bahrain GP from Friday to Sunday (Oct 2 to 4).
Gulf Air chief executive officer Martin Gauss said the airline was also supporting the event with six additional flights around the race weekend.
"We are proud that Bahrain can host the race here in Malaysia," he said.
Gauss also thanked the Malaysian and Bahraini authorities for their efforts in making the event and the airline’s return to Kuala Lumpur possible.
"I know it was hard work from both sides to make it happen. I am looking forward to many more years of you visiting Bahrain, as we will bring hopefully also many tourists to Malaysia," he said.
Gulf Air's services also give travellers from Bahrain and the wider region onward connections to destinations including Langkawi, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
The six additional F1 flights are consistent with the airline's previously announced enhanced schedule around the Malaysian race weekend.
