CAAM Gears Up For F1's Return

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has called on all relevant stakeholders, including airport operators, airlines, ground handlers and relevant government agencies, to work closely to ensure the smooth handling of the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

Its chief executive officer, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the necessary resources, personnel and contingency arrangements must be in place to support the anticipated increase in passenger traffic and flight operations during the event.

He said effectively managing the expected surge in air traffic would require a coordinated approach across the airport ecosystem.

"Hence, CAAM's priority is to ensure that the increase in air traffic and passenger volume is managed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to regular flight operations and the travelling public," he told Bernama today.

Norazman noted that as Malaysia has extensive experience in hosting F1 events, airlines, charter operators and other aviation stakeholders are therefore familiar with the relevant operational and regulatory processes.

"These operators are expected to plan their flight schedules, capacity requirements and other operational arrangements well in advance," he said.

He said CAAM anticipates an increase in scheduled, charter and business aviation flights during the F1 weekend, particularly involving racing teams, officials, corporate guests, media representatives and international spectators.

As such, it stands ready to facilitate the necessary regulatory and operational processes -- where required -- to support the smooth movement of additional air traffic.

"However, our preparations are not limited to managing the anticipated increase in air traffic," said Norazman.

As the country's civil aviation regulator, he said CAAM must also ensure that airport operators and aviation service providers are adequately prepared to manage the higher volume of passengers and aircraft safely and efficiently.

"This includes ensuring a seamless end-to-end passenger experience, from curb to gate for departing passengers and from arrival gate to curb for arriving passengers," he said.

He stressed that airport operators must ensure sufficient capacity and readiness in all areas, including passenger check-in, security screening, baggage handling, boarding and arrival processes, aircraft parking and ground handling, as well as the cleanliness, functionality and overall condition of airport facilities.

 

F1 Return To Boost Aviation, Tourism Sectors

Malaysia is set to host the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on Oct 2-4, after the country was selected as a replacement host following the postponement of the Bahrain race due to the West Asia conflict.

Captain Norazman said Malaysia’s hosting of the race is significant because it places the country in the global spotlight while highlighting its ability to support an international event of such scale.

He said the event could stimulate international travel demand, strengthen passenger flows and provide airlines with opportunities to optimise capacity and connectivity.

"It also demonstrates the readiness of Malaysia's airports, air navigation infrastructure and wider aviation ecosystem to support complex, time-sensitive and high-volume operations," he said.

The benefits extend beyond the aviation sector, as the increase in visitor arrivals could generate positive spillover effects for sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, retail and other supporting industries, while strengthening Malaysia's appeal as a destination for business and other major international events.

"For CAAM, the priority is to support these broader national objectives by providing a safe, efficient and facilitative aviation environment.

"Malaysia's ability to manage the additional demand successfully will further reinforce confidence in the country as a well-connected and capable regional aviation hub," he said.

The F1’s return to Malaysia is expected to provide a significant boost to the country's aviation sector, particularly through increased international passenger traffic and aircraft movements before and after the event.

"This may encourage airlines to optimise capacity on existing routes or introduce additional services, subject to commercial demand and the necessary regulatory approvals," he said.

Given the SIC's proximity to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the airport is expected to serve as the primary gateway for international arrivals.

Captain Norazman said other airports could also benefit from onward domestic travel and the wider movement of visitors across Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA