Bahrain F1 Grand Prix: Visitors stuck for hours as congestion hits SIC, KLIA2

KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors leaving the Sepang International Circuit after the first day of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 encountered unusual traffic congestion. This congestion also extended to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, where visitors were forced to queue for the Express Rail Link. Videos on social media showed passengers filling the second floor of KLIA2, believed to include those making their way home after SIC.

One visitor claimed to have left SIC at 7pm, only to arrive at KLIA2 at 9.30pm, still waiting for the ERL. After over three hours, the same visitor was still in KLIA2 and Sepang, pleading for better arrangements. Another user questioned the ERL service frequency, stating trains ran every 20 minutes despite the high passenger numbers.

The situation at KLIA2 appeared to worsen as congestion persisted at SIC, making the journey home increasingly difficult. Visitors not only faced congestion at SIC but also at KLIA2, with Grab rides costing RM150 due to ERL congestion. Crowd management was reportedly inadequate, with calls for dedicated lanes, shuttle buses, and improved transport coordination.

Social media was filled with posts about the congestion, with some visitors waiting hours for shuttle buses and e-hailing fares exceeding RM90.