*** ----> Bahrain International Airport ready to welcome influx of F1 visitors | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain International Airport ready to welcome influx of F1 visitors

Agencies | Manama                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has announced the completion of its preparations to welcome visitors to the 2023 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

An influx of visitors from around the world will attend the largest global sporting event hosted by Bahrain.

BIA’s preparations include receiving the teams participating in the race and hundreds of tons of materials and equipment shipped specifically for the event to be held on March 3-5 at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

This year marks the fifth time that Bahrain will be the season’s opening race since it became the first country in the Middle East to host the sport in 2004.

All airport preparations were reviewed at a meeting between BAC and representatives from the Ministry of Interior’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, Customs Affairs and Airport Police, Gulf Air, other airlines, Hala Bahrain, and Bahrain Airport Services.

"BAC has planned ahead and coordinated closely with all partners involved in this event," BAC Chief Airport Operations Officer Ali Rashid said.

"The surging popularity of motorsport globally, and the phenomenal turnout for last year’s race, are indicators for us to expect even more visitors this year. Accordingly, we have put measures in place to ensure that all visitors enjoy Bahrain’s renowned hospitality, a smooth airport journey, and the best customer experience possible at BIA."

Last year Bahrain Grand Prix saw an exceptional attendance of 98,000 over the weekend and 35,000 on race day.