From September 20-22, 2024, the world of motorsport will turn its gaze towards Singapore as the city-state hosts its iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix. As a business aviation operator, this event will bring unique operational challenges due to the expected influx of private jets.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know to navigate this event successfully:

The Race

The Singapore Grand Prix race weekend is scheduled as follows:

• Friday, September 20: Practice
• Saturday, September 21: Qualifying
• Sunday, September 22: Race

The 5.065-kilometer Marina Bay Street Circuit will host 61 laps of thrilling night racing, attracting both domestic and international General Aviation (GA) traffic.

Read full race details.

Airport Options

There are two airport options for Singapore: Seletar (WSSL) and Changi Intl (WSSS). For the Grand Prix, Seletar (WSSL) is the preferred airport option.

Seletar is an airport of entry with noise abatement in place, airport opens from 7am to 10pm daily. Changi is a 24-hour airport of entry with full aircraft services and support available.

Both airports are relatively close to the city center, with Seletar a 20-minute drive and Changi about 25 minutes to downtown.

For more information on Singapore Airports, visit our Business Aviation Guide.

Seletar Airport (WSSL)

The default airport for F1 flights is Seletar Airport (WSSL).

Seletar is approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers) away from the Marina Bay Street Circuit, where the Singapore Grand Prix is held. The travel time by car can vary widely depending on traffic conditions. Generally, you should expect a driving time of around 30 to 45 minutes, though during the period of the Grand Prix, travel times could be longer due to increased traffic.

Seletar Operating Hours

Seletar Airport operates between 2300 UTC to 1400 UTC daily.

Slots

Slots are not required for Seletar Airport. The airport will monitor traffic for all flight and may suggest adjustments to the schedule to deconflict possible congestion. Universal will confirm handling services and advise clients of possible bottlenecks so that decisions can be made to mimimize any inconvenience to passengers and crew. Expect potential delays and congestion at Seletar Business Aviation Centre (SBAC), particularly on September 18, 19, and 23.

Training slots are applicable from Tuesdays to Sundays. Non-training flights will not be permitted during the following periods:

• 0130 to 0230 UTC / 0930 to 1030 LT
• 0400 to 0500 UTC / 1200 to 1300 LT
• 0700 to 0800 UTC / 1500 to 1600 LT
• 0900 to 1000 UTC / 1700 to 1800 LT

Parking

During the event period, aircraft movements will be higher than usual. Parking allocations will depend on the apron assignment, with five contingency parking locations available:

1. Area 1 (Taxi lane WB6 including parking stand B1-B3)
2. Area 2 (Taxi lane WB4 including parking stand A1-A4)
3. Area 3 (Taxiway WA between Taxiway WC1 and parking stand D1)
4. Compass Swing
5. Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE)

Maintenance

If maintenance is needed, inform us at least one week before the aircraft’s arrival to obtain approval from the airport authority, Changi Airport Group (CAG). Valid ramp passes are required for airside access, with the application process taking 5-10 working days. Notify us of any scheduled maintenance with the MRO for proper coordination. Any maintenance work on the ramp will need prior approval from CAG.

Catering

Catering can be arranged through Universal’s preferred caterer, SATS, which is the only caterer able to deliver directly to the aircraft. Due to high demand, place catering orders at least 48 hours before departure. Universal also offers pickup services from the restaurant of your choice, with delivery surcharges applicable during the event period.

Getting Around Singapore During the Grand Prix

Areas of Closure: The Singapore Grand Prix will take place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, causing closures and disruptions in various parts of the city:

• Marina Bay Area: Roads such as Esplanade Drive, Raffles Avenue, and parts of Nicoll Highway.
• City Hall and Raffles Place: Major roads including Fullerton Road, Anderson Bridge, and Connaught Drive.
• Suntec City and Millenia Walk: Parts of Temasek Boulevard and Raffles Boulevard.

Transportation Options: While taxis and ride-hailing services will be available, expect higher demand and possible surge pricing. The train and bus systems are recommended, especially with road closures. Train services will be extended on race days for convenience.

Seletar Business Aviation Centre Changes

With effect from 21st August 2023, the Seletar Business Aviation Centre will segregate the lounge usage to maximize space as they are seeing larger passenger groups using the facility.

Crew that wishes to use the lounge will be directed to the 2nd level. They will most probably need to access that area by using the elevator located at the terminal.

Complete e-Arrival Cards In Advance

Operators are requested to have clients complete their e-arrival cards before reaching the lounge. It is recommended to provide your ground handler copies so that we can cross reference with the Gendec and Manifest to reduce the waiting time at immigration.

Bad Weather

In the event of bad weather, please note that aircraft will be sequenced based on approved slots. Do expect delays in this type of situation, especially during departures. Diversion to WSSS is still possible, however, aircraft will need to reposition to WSSL once the weather is better.

Changi Airport (WSSS)

Changi Airport (WSSS) is approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) away from the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive between Changi Airport and the Marina Bay Street Circuit typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, similar to Seletar Airport, you should expect increased traffic and possibly longer travel times during the period of the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Airport Authorities reserve the right to refuse flights if operators do not comply with the above guidelines and timeline.

Please note that these guidelines only apply to F1 flights. Non-F1 related flights will be denied operations to WSSS from 15 to 25 Sep 2024.

1. 1. The default airport for F1 flights is WSSL.
   2. If WSSS is required, only quick turnarounds (pick and drop) are allowed.
   3. NO layover shall be facilitated at WSSS from 15 to 25 Sep, unless supported with proper documentations for operational requirements to layover at WSSS.
   4. Operators must file for all flights, including diplomatic ones. For diplomatic flights, the permit approval number must be provided.
   5. MFA permit approval does not take bay availability into consideration.
   6. All GCR filings must include the following information in the SI:

1. Lead pax
2. Business entity

• Reason(s) for operating to WSSS

1. 1. Late submissions after 11 Sep, 12pm will NOT be entertained.

Hotel Considerations

Hotel accommodations are always in high demand during the Singapore Grand Prix event periods. During this time, we anticipate higher-than-normal room prices and no-cancellation policies. Some hotels – particularly those in the popular Marina Bay area – will have special access requirements or will take longer to reach due to closures for the race. This could present occasional challenges/delays in moving to/from your hotel, so it’s recommended that you speak to your ground handler or 3rd-party provider to confirm.

Local Transport

Singapore has an excellent public transport and taxi system, and it’s generally very easy to travel around this island nation. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system is a particularly efficient means of moving about Singapore. We do not recommend renting vehicles due to traffic congestion, road closures, and limited parking options during the Grand Prix period. Should you wish to arrange pre-paid transport (car with driver), it’s best to make these arrangements well in advance. Note that while public transport, MRT, and taxi options are very good between WSSS and the central district, these options are much more restrictive in the case of WSSL. WSSL is in a somewhat isolated location where it’s more challenging to find public taxis. If you land at WSSL, always have your ground handler arrange pre-paid transport or confirm taxi transport in advance. Do note that taxis here are metered, and surcharges are applicable depending on the time of day.

Conclusion

If you’re heading to Singapore for the 2024 Grand Prix, it’s important to confirm aircraft parking and hotel arrangements as soon as the schedule is known. While we recommend WSSL for most GA operations – due to more flexible parking options and no airport slot requirements – it’s important to be mindful of routine weekly runway closures that occur at this location. Also, note that WSSS has aircraft parking restrictions for GA and air traffic delays.

Universal Aviation Singapore can help.