Gulf Air stages first Formula 1 fly-past outside Bahrain

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Kuala Lumpur : Gulf Air staged its first Formula 1 fly-past outside Bahrain when a Boeing 787 passed over the Sepang International Circuit during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 in Malaysia.

The fly-past took place during rainy conditions and was watched by more than 100,000 spectators at the circuit, with the event also broadcast to audiences worldwide.

Gulf Air has traditionally performed a fly-past at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where an aircraft crossing the starting grid has become part of the race's opening celebrations. The appearance at Sepang marked the first time the airline carried out the display at a Formula 1 race outside its home country.

Gulf Air chief executive Martin Gauss said the display represented a moment of pride for the airline and highlighted Bahrain's presence on the international sporting stage.

The airline said the operation was supported by a Sustainable Aviation Fuel book-and-claim purchase as part of its efforts to reduce aviation emissions.

The fly-past came during a wider Gulf Air presence at the Malaysian race. The airline said more than 35,000 people visited its fan zone during the weekend, while it also promoted its recently launched direct service between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur.