Travel/leisure

Eighteen people, including five children, reported retinal damage after viewing the partial solar eclipse on 12 August. Most cases involve mild symptoms such as “seeing spots,” though one more serious case was noted. The NOG expects clearer insight into long‑term recovery within a year.

Air traffic across Sicily faces prolonged disruption as Mount Etna’s ongoing eruption has forced the closure of Catania Airport—the island's main hub—until early Saturday. The sudden shutdown during peak summer holiday travel has led to flight cancellations, including services from Amsterdam Schiphol, while airlines struggle to divert passengers to Palermo's smaller-capacity airport via coach transfers.

Arriving non-EU passengers at Schiphol Airport are facing queues of up to two hours following the rollout of a new European border system. The new Entry/Exit System requires travellers to register biometric data upon arrival, causing significant delays. While the airport has deployed extra staff to support passengers, responsibility for border control rests with national authorities.

Train services between Boxmeer and Venray restarted on Monday after several days of disruption caused by a wildfire. Arriva stopped trains twice last week as the fire intensified and firefighters worked in the area. Buses helped travellers while the route remained closed.

River cruise operators are cancelling or altering itineraries as drought pushes Rhine and Danube water levels to historic lows. Some ships are idle, ports are inaccessible, and passengers are being moved by bus when routes cannot be sailed.

A serious multi‑vehicle accident on the A12 near Babberich has injured several people and fully closed the road towards Germany. The crash followed a short traffic jam caused by border controls, and traffic is now being diverted.

A nationwide 24‑hour public transport strike on 9 September will halt rail, regional, and urban services across the Netherlands. While FNV confirms the action, NS says it cannot yet assess the exact impact, and Arriva warns travellers to expect delays, cancellations, and to arrange alternative transport.

KLM’s quarterly profit has improved, yet the airline says its financial performance is still not strong enough. CEO Marjan Rintel plans to continue cost‑saving measures while demand for cargo and holiday travel remains high. Meanwhile, Air France‑KLM will cut flights later this year due to soaring fuel prices, affecting short‑ and medium‑haul routes across Europe.