A smoky Singapore F1 race again? As haze threat looms, outdoor event organisers ready contingency plans

As Singapore braces for another potential smoky Formula 1 race, race organizers and businesses are taking precautionary measures due to the heightened haze threat. The Singapore Grand Prix, which took place in September 2019, faced a major talking point about worsening haze that threatened to disrupt the event. The air quality during the race weekend reached unhealthy levels due to forest fires from Indonesia.

This year, authorities believe the risk of haze is even higher. The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which measures air quality in Singapore, remained within the moderate range of 51 to 100 over the weekend. However, the Meteorological Service Singapore warned that the city could experience hazy conditions if fires in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan intensify. These conditions are expected to persist due to strong El Nino conditions and other factors.

Organizers and operators of outdoor facilities are not taking any chances. The Singapore Grand Prix's contingency plan, developed with stakeholders and government agencies, is in place to cover the probability of haze. If the haze impacts visibility, public health, or operations, the relevant member agencies will work closely with the Singapore GP before making any collective decisions regarding the event.

Various agencies, including the National Environment Agency, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Singapore Tourism Board, have action plans to respond to the intensity of the haze. Schools will adjust outdoor activities, and workplaces will scale back outdoor work, especially for those with chronic lung or heart disease. The task force, chaired by the National Environment Agency, has been reviewing and updating response plans for possible transboundary haze since April this year.

In addition to monitoring PSI forecasts and issuing health advisories, Sentosa Development Corporation is advising attractions and its partners to adjust operational measures based on air quality. HeritageSG, which organizes the Singapore Night Festival 2026, will monitor the haze situation and air quality and follow NEA's health advisories to determine whether outdoor activities should proceed.

Programmes may be adjusted, relocated, or cancelled to ensure public safety. Other businesses and retailers have also prepared for deteriorating air quality by stocking up on mask supplies.