Singapore Turns World’s Most Polluted City Ahead of Formula One Event

Singapore, one of the wealthiest cities in the world and known for its clean streets and modern skyline, has been engulfed by thick, toxic haze caused by wildfires in neighbouring Indonesia. The worsening air pollution has pushed the city-state to No. 1 in global air pollution rankings, raising concerns over public health just as it prepares to host the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and several major international events.

Smoke from fires across Indonesia’s islands of Sumatra and Borneo has drifted towards Singapore, blanketing the city in smog. The haze has reduced visibility, obscured iconic landmarks and prompted authorities to advise residents to limit outdoor activities.

Large areas of land in Indonesia are regularly cleared for commercial plantations and other agricultural activities, including palm oil plantations. The burning of vegetation releases smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere, which can travel across national borders depending on wind conditions.

This year’s situation has been exacerbated by unusually dry conditions due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. Prolonged dryness and fires have intensified the haze affecting parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The problem is not new to the region. Transboundary haze has repeatedly affected Southeast Asian countries.

Singapore’s air quality deteriorated significantly on October 9, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching 192 in the central region by 5 pm, according to local reports. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, is a major concern as exposure can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Singapore Grand Prix is one of the city’s biggest international sporting and tourism events. The 2026 race weekend, scheduled for October 9 to 11, was expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators. Despite the deteriorating air quality, organisers said the race would proceed as planned. Formula One said air quality was being monitored and contingency measures were in place.

Singapore’s tourism authorities also confirmed that arrangements included providing medical assistance and N95 masks.

As Singapore prepares to welcome international visitors, the episode serves as a reminder that even cities with strong environmental management systems remain vulnerable to cross-border pollution.