Flight bookings for Abu Dhabi F1 weekend up 5.4%

Flight bookings for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2025 in December are up 5.4% year-on-year, according to travel marketing platform Sojern, with the UK driving 33% of confirmed flights and 40% of visitors set to arrive as couples or families.

 

This suggests a shift in traveller profile as the F1 weekend attracts leisure and sporting fans, boosted by high-profile, after-race concerts from international music acts including Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry.

 

Scheduled for 5–7 December at Yas Marina Circuit, which was recently showcased in this year’s F1 movie with Brad Pitt, demand is expected to keep rising into October. 

 

Last year, 34% of visitors booked flights within 15–60 days of the event.

 

Sojern’s figures show Europe, the Middle East and Africa accounting for more than 60% of bookings. Alongside the UK, Germany (7%), Russia (5%) and Ireland (3.6%) rank among the top contributors, while the US (5%), India (3.4%) and Australia (2.5%) highlight F1’s global draw. 

 

International arrivals peak on 3 December ahead of race weekend, with most departures on 8 December.

 

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Leisure travel trends are shifting, with couples and families rising year-on-year in Sojern’s breakdown. 

 

The company links this to Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a lifestyle destination, supported not only by the concert series but also a growing roster of attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum, joining the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.

 

Dubai is also emerging as a secondary entry point. Flight bookings to the neighbouring emirate spike on 1 December, coinciding with UAE National Day celebrations.

 

As well as the concert series, Abu Dhabi’s growing list of attractions for leisure visitors include the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the upcoming Zayed National Museum which is scheduled to open in December, joining the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the city’s Saadiyat Cultural District.