Travel/leisure

The Dutch rail sector is facing a sharp decline in technical staff, with many mechanics nearing retirement. ProRail warns that delays, safety risks, and higher costs could follow. Train passengers are likely to notice the impact through ongoing maintenance disruptions.

Families in Eindhoven can return to De Tongelreep following the opening of its new leisure pool and slides. The facility marks the final stage of a major redevelopment project that has been a decade in the making.

Eindhoven’s popular light festival has been honoured with the Grand Prix at the National Event Awards. The prize recognises the festival's massive impact on light art and its role in putting the city on the global map.

KLM, together with its partner Air France, officially announced price increase for its long haul flights.

Holidaymakers are increasingly turning to European destinations as the conflict in Iran fuels global uncertainty. Travel companies Sunweb and TUI report a sharp rise in bookings for Southern Europe, with Portugal, Spain, and Greece seeing the strongest surge. At the same time, package holidays are regaining popularity as travelers look for security, flexible rebooking options, and guaranteed support when plans change.

KLM has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai until 28 March due to the conflict in the Middle East. The airline has also paused services to Riyadh and Dammam while it evaluates regional safety. Affected passengers can rebook or request refunds as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Thousands of Dutch travellers remain stranded abroad as the conflict in Iran disrupts key flight routes through the Middle East. Travel organisations are rerouting passengers, sometimes through long and costly detours. The ANVR is urging people who have already returned home to report back to avoid empty seats on repatriation flights.

Eindhoven is replacing the Karel de Grotelaan roundabout with a new underpass and a landmark light installation called the (Lichtring). The project aims to improve traffic flow to Veldhoven while transforming the intersection into a green, climate-resilient space for the local community.