Flying out of KLIA during F1 weekend? Police routes, lorry diversions and airline advice for 2–4 October

If you're driving towards Sepang this weekend, whether for the race or to catch a flight, plan ahead. Police, the circuit and Malaysia Airlines have all issued advisories for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from 2 to 4 October. They all expect heavy traffic around KLIA.

822 personnel on the ground

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the traffic operation involves 822 personnel. That includes 756 police officers and staff plus 66 Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers, as reported by The Sun. They will be on duty from 8am to 11pm each day of the event.

Four recommended routes to the circuit

Police have set out four main routes for race-goers:

• From Kuala Lumpur: MEX (E20), Lingkaran Putrajaya, then the ELITE Highway to the KLIA toll
• From the north: via the Ebor toll and ELITE Highway to the KLIA toll
• From the south (highway): PLUS, exit at Nilai Utara, then the ELITE Highway
• From the south (federal roads): Jalan Sepang–Salak Tinggi–Dengkil

There are 9,000 parking bays across 17 car parks, but only for vehicles with valid stickers or passes.

Lorries diverted, motorcycles turned away

Heavy vehicles and lorries will be diverted at eight checkpoints, including Bulatan Masjid, Jalan KLIA S8 and Persiaran Teknologi 1 and 2. Only essential cargo with prior arrangements will be exempt.

Motorcyclists and general private vehicles without passes will not be allowed into the circuit, according to SIC chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif and KLIA district police chief ACP M Ravi. Visitors without parking passes are asked to use the 115 free shuttle buses from KLIA Terminal 2, the KLIA Long-Term Car Park, Mitsui Outlet Park and Bandar Enstek, or e-hailing.

Azhan said the plan is meant to address congestion problems that have built up over Sepang's 27 years of hosting major races.

Catching a flight? Leave early

Malaysia Airlines has warned passengers that roads towards KLIA could be heavily congested from 2 to 4 October. The airline advises:

• arriving at least three hours before international flights
• arriving at least two hours before domestic flights
• remembering that check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure

The airline said "access to KLIA remains available". It encouraged travellers to follow police traffic updates and consider the KLIA Ekspres train to avoid congestion around Sepang. Police have also said access to the KLIA terminals will be kept open via Lebuh Madani and Bulatan Charterfield.

Friday prayers and evening concerts

Police said access will be arranged on Friday, 2 October, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm for worshippers attending Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad near the airport. More traffic is likely in the evenings too. Axwell performs on Saturday and Martin Garrix on Sunday, both from 7pm to 10pm, so expect a second rush after the race.

Bottom line

If you don't have a parking pass, use the free shuttle buses. If you're flying, leave much earlier than usual, or take the train.

Key takeaways

• 822 police and JPJ personnel will manage traffic from 8am to 11pm, 2–4 October.
• Lorries will be diverted at eight checkpoints, and motorcycles are banned from the circuit.
• Malaysia Airlines advises arriving three hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic flights.
• KLIA terminal access stays open via Lebuh Madani and Bulatan Charterfield.

FAQ

Can I ride my motorcycle to the Sepang F1 race? No. Motorcycles and private vehicles without valid passes are barred from the circuit. Use the free shuttle buses or e-hailing.

Will KLIA be closed during the F1 weekend? No. Access to KLIA remains open, but heavy congestion is expected, so airlines advise arriving early.

What are the police operating hours? The traffic operation runs from 8am to 11pm daily from 2 to 4 October.

Sources: The Sun, Media Selangor, RTM, Carz Automedia via Newswav