Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is urging fans heading to the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 2 to 4 to use public transport as parking and road capacity are expected to come under heavy pressure.
More than 200,000 spectators are expected at SIC over the three-day event, with daily attendance forecast to exceed 100,000.
KLIA said parking at Terminal 1 and its Long Term Car Park was expected to be severely limited and could reach full capacity as early as each day.
Fans have therefore been advised not to drive to KLIA to park before continuing to SIC.
“Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey early and use Express Rail Link (ERL) services including KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit, as well as e-hailing services to reach KLIA Terminal 1 and 2,” KLIA said in a statement.
Free shuttle buses to SIC will also be available from Terminal 2, the KLIA Long Term Car Park and Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA.
Motorists should also expect traffic diversions around the airport during the race weekend. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will carry out diversions from 8am to 11pm each day, with road users advised to follow alternative routes as directed.
Air passengers travelling through KLIA during the same weekend have also been advised to allow extra time for their journeys due to expected congestion on major roads leading to the airport.
“Passengers are encouraged to check the latest traffic and travel information from KLIA, PDRM and SIC before starting their respective journeys,” KLIA said.
Malaysia is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang after the race was cancelled earlier in the 2026 season due to tensions in West Asia. The event runs from Oct 2 to 4 under an agreement involving Formula One, the FIA and the Malaysian and Bahraini governments.
The return of F1 to Sepang marks the circuit’s first Formula One race since Malaysia last hosted its own Grand Prix in 2017.
