Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, made aviation history by conducting a ceremonial fly-past over the Sepang International Circuit during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 in Malaysia, marking the first time the airline has performed the display at a Formula 1 race outside Bahrain.

The fly-past, carried out by a Gulf Air Boeing 787, took place as rain fell over the circuit and was watched by more than 100,000 spectators and millions of viewers worldwide.

The display extended a tradition that has marked the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix for more than two decades, with the sight of a Gulf Air aircraft over the starting grid becoming a symbol of the Kingdom’s flagship sporting event.

Gulf Air said the precision flight highlighted the capabilities of its flight operations and engineering teams, while reflecting the discipline, accuracy and pursuit of excellence shared by aviation and Formula 1.

Martin Gauss, Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Our fly-past has opened the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX for many years. Performing it for the first time over another country, at a race that carries our name and our Kingdom's name, is a moment of real pride for everyone at Gulf Air. It is far more than an aviation display. It reflects our role as a national ambassador connecting Bahrain to the world, and it showcases Bahraini excellence on an international stage."

The fly-past also incorporated Gulf Air’s sustainability commitments.

The operation was supported through a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) book-and-claim purchase, forming part of the airline’s wider efforts to support aviation decarbonisation while maintaining operational performance.

The event came as Gulf Air expanded its presence in Malaysia, following the launch of its direct service between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur.

During the race weekend, the airline welcomed more than 35,000 visitors to its Gulf Air Fan Zone and engaged international audiences through hospitality and promotional activities.

The fly-past placed Gulf Air and Bahrain at the centre of a major international sporting event while reinforcing the airline’s role as a national carrier connecting the Kingdom with global destinations.

The Malaysian race also marked a significant extension of the Bahrain Grand Prix’s international identity, bringing the event’s branding and Gulf Air’s long-standing Formula 1 tradition to a new market. -TradeArabia News Service