Sepang:Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is advising individuals attending the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4 to utilize public transportation. This recommendation comes as a significant increase in traffic and vehicle movements is anticipated throughout the race weekend.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KLIA has announced that parking at both KLIA Terminal 1 and the KLIA Long Term Car Park is extremely limited, with full capacity expected to be reached early each day. More than 200,000 spectators are expected over the three-day event, with daily crowds possibly exceeding 100,000, prompting a strong advisory against driving to KLIA for parking.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and make use of the Express Rail Link services, including KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, as well as e-hailing services to reach KLIA Terminals 1 and 2. Free shuttle bus services to the Sepang International Circuit will be available for F1 attendees from KLIA Terminal 2, KLIA Long Term Car Park, and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA.

KLIA also reminded air travelers to allow additional travel time when heading to the airport during the F1 weekend due to expected heavy traffic on major roads leading to KLIA. The Royal Malaysia Police will enforce traffic diversions from 8 am to 11 pm daily during the event, urging road users to follow alternative routes as directed.

Passengers are advised to check the latest traffic and travel advisories from KLIA, Royal Malaysia Police, and Sepang International Circuit before starting their journey. KLIA assured that it is working closely with relevant authorities to facilitate traffic flow and ensure smooth passenger movement throughout the race weekend.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, following an agreement with the International Automobile Federation and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. This agreement retains the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 F1 calendar after it was earlier canceled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the F1 calendar.