Business · Economy · 1 day ago
Singapore restaurants stay busy despite unhealthy haze during F1 weekend
Restaurants and bars in central Singapore stayed busy during the Formula 1 weekend, even as haze affected air quality.
On Saturday, Singapore’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index was in the unhealthy range in all five regions.
The central region recorded a reading of 170 at 4pm, down from 192 on Friday afternoon.
Some restaurant managers said tourists were more willing than local residents to sit outdoors.
One business said its demand was better than usual, while another reported full houses throughout the week.
Staff at one venue had prepared masks and outdoor air coolers for customers.
The crowds show that the haze had not yet reduced demand at these venues, though some locals appeared more cautious.
Businesses expected crowds to continue during the races and concerts after the weekend.
Restaurants and bars in central Singapore reported little impact from haze on demand during the Formula 1 weekend.
Crowds continued to dine and drink outdoors at venues in Raffles City and CHIJMES.
Some restaurant staff said tourists appeared less concerned about the haze than Singaporeans.
Singapore’s air quality was in the unhealthy range on Saturday, though readings had eased overnight.
One restaurant manager said his venue had been full every day that week because of the race.
- Who
- Restaurants and bars in central Singapore, along with diners attending the Formula 1 weekend.
- What
- Businesses reported little impact on demand from the haze, with crowds continuing to dine and drink outdoors.
- When
- The Formula 1 weekend, including Friday and Saturday, Oct 9 and 10, 2026.
- Where
- Raffles City and CHIJMES in Singapore.
- Why
- The races brought crowds and international visitors, while some businesses said tourists were less concerned about the haze than locals.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The haze has not affected business and there are more people despite the haze.
We’ve had a full house every day this week. Many international people are flying in, but we see less locals because of the haze and not many are coming as usual.
We will manage. We bring people good food and drinks, and they are not so concerned about the air quality.
The 24-hour PSI rose into the unhealthy range in all five regions by 5pm, reaching 192 in central Singapore.
Air quality remained in the unhealthy range, with the 4pm 24-hour PSI reading 170 in central Singapore.
Crowds continued to dine and drink outdoors at restaurants and bars in Raffles City and CHIJMES.
- Central Singapore PSI
- 170 at 4pm on Saturday, Oct 10
- Highest regional PSI on Friday
- 192 in central Singapore by 5pm
- Reported business impact
- Businesses said haze had little impact on demand
- Restaurants observed
- Raffles City and CHIJMES
Sources
Related news
Ukraine faces $4.86 billion in foreign debt repayments in 2026
CVC planned to keep Israel defence deal quiet to avoid controversy
AirAsia founder denies bailout talks after meeting Malaysian officials
Pakistan Seeks Another Credit Rating Upgrade, Finance Minister Says
Genting shares fall most in 28 years after rights issue plan
Genus acquires New Zealand telco in deal worth up to NZ$65m
AirAsia in talks with Malaysian government over possible funding support
TSMC expected to post sixth straight quarter of record profit as AI demand grows
Exports are keeping Argentina's economy afloat as consumption and investment weaken
Colombia discusses possible Mazda assembly plant
Nordic lifts Kopsa gold-equivalent resource by 86% to 1.52 million ounces