Bahrain International Airport completes preparations for the large influx of Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix visitors

Muharraq, Bahrain, 2018-Mar-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has completed preparations for welcoming the large influx of international visitors expected for this year’s Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, its operator and manager, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) announced. The event, Bahrain’s most high profile of the year, will be held from 6th to 8th April at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). Attracting international superstars, it pumps millions into the local economy every year and shines a global spotlight on the kingdom.

BAC’s announcement came following a coordination committee meeting held with its partners, where they discussed the preparations required to accommodate the teams, visitors, and cargo arriving for the event. The meeting was attended by senior representatives of BIC; Immigration and Passport Control, Customs Affairs, Airport Police from the Ministry of Interior; Gulf Air; Bahrain Airport Services (BAS); and Bahrain Limo.

BAC Chief Airport Operations Officer, Michael Hohenberger said: “The world is watching us during F1 and it is more important than ever that all logistical operations are completed smoothly and seamlessly. The goal is to maintain the same levels of cooperation we have had with our partners in past years, ever since the first Formula One Grand Prix was held in the Kingdom in 2004. Every year, we anticipate and serve an influx of visitors and cargo via regular, additional, and chartered flights scheduled to land at the airport in conjunction with the race. This alignment between the private and public sector helps us to accommodate the considerable requirements of such a prestigious and high-profile event.”

International fans from 115 designated nationalities can apply online for F1 visas, which was introduced by Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) specifically for spectators wishing to attend the F1 in Bahrain. NPRA has set up several fast-track lanes at the airport, solely dedicated to all passports and immigration procedures related to the F1, and travelers can obtain the visa either through the NPRA portal evisa.gov.bh or on arrival in Bahrain. Other nationalities can also apply through the regular VISA procedures through the same website.

The highly anticipated race is the second of 21 rounds on the 2018 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, following the season-opening meeting in Australia. Among the superstar talents expected to arrive are Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. More than half a billion fans from around the world are expected to watch the race.

The 2017 Bahrain Grand Prix saw a record crowd of 33,000 on race day and 93,000 over the weekend. An even greater turnout is expected this year as the popularity of motorsport in the region, spearheaded by the Bahrain race, reaches an all-time high.

SOURCE: Bahrain International Airport

Corporate Communication Department Contact Details

Telephone Number:+973 17353454
E-FAX:+973 17911209
Email:Corporate.Communications@bac.bh

Subscribe to Notifications