Airport all set to welcome F1 Gulf Air GP visitors

Manama : 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 motor sport, Bahrain’s most high profile of the year, will be held from April 6 to 8 at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). 

Attracting international superstars, the event 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.”

Fans from 115 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 travellers 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.