SEPANG (Sept 30): About 200,000 spectators are expected to attend the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 2 to 4, with Sunday expected to draw the largest crowd.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the airport operator is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure the smooth movement of passengers and visitors throughout the three-day event.

“I was told by the committee that we are expecting 200,000 people over the three days at the race. Obviously, the last day on Sunday will see the highest number. We want to make sure flow is smooth.

“We strongly encourage them to come by public transport so that they can avoid congestion," he told reporters when met after the welcoming reception for Gulf Air’s inaugural direct flight from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, here on Wednesday.

Mohd Izani said spectators are encouraged to use public transport as parking around KLIA is limited.

He said that the government has also formed a special task force involving relevant agencies, including MAHB, to coordinate preparations for the F1 event.

"It is a good opportunity for us to really maximise the flow of passengers and tourists to KLIA, and I think our government is also supportive of that. A special task force has been formed by the government to make sure that all agencies, including Malaysia Airports, work together and collaborate to ensure the success of the Grand Prix," he added.

Mohd Izani said the expected influx of visitors has also boosted demand for accommodation near KLIA, with Sama-Sama Hotel fully booked for the F1 weekend.

Malaysia is set to welcome F1 back to the SIC after nine years, through the hosting of the F1 Bahrain GP from Oct 2-4.

The SIC had hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, before it was dropped from the F1 calendar following rising hosting costs and licensing fees.

The prestigious race's return to Malaysia follows successful diplomacy between the Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain.

In a separate development, Mohd Izani said three or four more airlines are expected to commence operations at KLIA by year-end, with discussions at an advanced stage.

"We have a few airlines coming, at least three or four before year-end, and we are preparing ourselves for that. Discussions with those airlines are quite advanced and we are excited about it," he said.

On Gulf Air's inaugural direct service between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Izani said the airline’s return to KLIA comes at a timely juncture, ahead of this weekend’s F1 race and also during Visit Malaysia 2026.

“With an increase in international visitors expected, we are ready to manage the higher passenger volume and have operational plans in place across both terminals.

“These include optimising passenger flows, coordinating closely with airlines and relevant government agencies, and strengthening on-ground support to ensure a smooth and welcoming arrival experience,” he said.

Gulf Air’s year-round service, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will operate three times weekly. The launch makes Gulf Air the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA, further expanding the airport’s international airline network.

Read also:
KLIA set to welcome three or four new airlines by year-end — MAHB MD
Sepang set for F1 return this weekend after nine-year absence

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