PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 – Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is advising visitors attending the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 2 to 4 to utilize public transportation due to expected heavy traffic congestion and limited parking.
In an official advisory on Thursday, KLIA warned that parking spaces at KLIA Terminal 1 and the KLIA Long Term Car Park are extremely limited and expected to reach full capacity early each day.
Over 200,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the three-day event, with daily crowds expected to exceed 100,000 visitors. Race-goers are strongly cautioned against driving to the airport with the intention of parking there to travel onward to the circuit.
Transport Options and Free Shuttle Services
To manage spectator flow and ease road congestion, KLIA recommends the following transit arrangements:
- Rail and E-Hailing: Spectators are encouraged to utilize Express Rail Link (ERL) services—including KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit—or e-hailing services to reach KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
- Free Shuttle Buses: Complimentary shuttle bus services connecting directly to SIC will operate from KLIA Terminal 2, the KLIA Long Term Car Park, and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA.
Travel Advisory for Air Passengers and Traffic Diversions
Air travelers departing or arriving via KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 over the race weekend are urged to allocate extra travel time, as heavy vehicle volume is expected on major access expressways.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will implement traffic diversions daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM throughout the three-day event, with road users advised to follow alternative routes as directed.
KLIA confirmed it is collaborating closely with PDRM, SIC, and relevant transport authorities to maintain smooth traffic flow and minimize passenger disruptions.
Background on the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Formula 1 confirmed in July that Malaysia would host the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4 following a tripartite agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The agreement retained the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after its original staging in West Asia was cancelled earlier in the season due to regional geopolitical tensions.
Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from 1999 until 2017.
–NMT
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