And more of today’s top travel news stories.
Today in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: the FAA needs billions of dollars in funding; an attempted drone strike in Mecca prompts further security concerns for Saudi Arabia; Spain is working to curb overtourism with a plan targeting 2030; and bear attacks in Colorado prompt warnings.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
Some or all of this article was crafted with help from AI. An editor reviewed and vetted this article before publishing.
1 OF 5
Suspected Sabotage Causes Major Disruptions on Dutch Railways
Thousands of passengers faced delays and cancellations across the Netherlands on Tuesday after material was deliberately placed on railway tracks at 30 locations, an incident infrastructure operator ProRail is investigating as possible sabotage.
The disruption hit central and eastern parts of the country particularly hard during the morning commute, including services around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort. Some trains in the heavily traveled western Netherlands were also affected. National rail operator NS said service gradually began returning as crews cleared the tracks.
Police have opened an investigation, but authorities have not identified any suspects or announced a possible motive. No group has claimed responsibility. ProRail employees handled objects removed from the tracks carefully, including wearing gloves, so potential evidence could be preserved for investigators.
The disruption also fell on Prinsjesdag, the annual presentation of the Dutch government’s budget, which draws thousands of spectators to The Hague for ceremonies involving the Dutch royal family.
Read more at the Associated Press.
2 OF 5
U.S. Updates Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory Amid Drone and Missile Threats
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel guidance for Saudi Arabia amid continuing regional conflict and the threat of drone and missile attacks, although the country’s overall advisory remains unchanged at Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
The September 15 update did not alter Saudi Arabia’s advisory level or risk indicators. Instead, it added restrictions on where U.S. government employees may travel. The department continues to warn Americans about armed conflict, terrorism, Iranian drone and missile attacks, exit bans, and Saudi laws governing social media activity.
The update comes amid heightened security concerns in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone attempting to approach Mecca, prompting the Saudi-led military coalition to declare the security of the holy city a “red line.” Houthi officials denied that Mecca had been the intended target. Saudi authorities have also issued security alerts in several parts of the country, including Mecca.
The State Department warns that debris from intercepted missiles and drones can pose a danger and says people near military bases and energy infrastructure may face greater risks, particularly closer to Yemen.
The Yemen border region carries a separate Level 4: Do Not Travel warning. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling within 20 miles of the border and from making nonessential trips to Qatif. Special authorization is required for government employee travel to Jizan, Asir, Najran, and Qatif.
Read more at The Guardian.
3 OF 5
FAA Says Air Traffic Control Overhaul Will Need Billions More in Funding
The Federal Aviation Administration says the first phase of its sweeping air traffic control modernization program will cost substantially more than the money Congress has so far provided for the effort.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told a House subcommittee that Phase 1 is expected to cost $16 billion. Congress previously approved $12.5 billion for air traffic control improvements, including $9 billion for modernization and $3.5 billion for facilities construction. Bedford said the FAA is using money from its facilities and equipment budget to cover the current funding gap and will need at least another $10 billion for Phase 2.
A new Government Accountability Office review also raises questions about the project’s financial and logistical planning. Investigators found that the FAA has not developed a comprehensive lifecycle cost estimate for the modernization program or an integrated master schedule tying together the more than 11,000 individual projects included in Phase 1.
Costs are already increasing for some components. The estimated price of telecommunications upgrades has risen from $4.75 billion to $5.91 billion. Bedford said the agency plans to finish replacing outdated copper telecommunications wiring by September 2027.
The FAA selected technology contractor Peraton in December to oversee the modernization effort under a $1.5 billion contract.
Read more at Reuters.
4 OF 5
Two Colorado Bear Attacks Prompt Warning to Lock Windows and Secure Food
Colorado wildlife officials are warning people to secure homes and remove potential food sources after two separate bear attacks over the weekend brought the state’s number of confirmed attacks this season to 10.
The encounters come as bears enter hyperphagia, the period when they dramatically increase their food intake ahead of winter. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says shortages of some natural food sources are also bringing bears into developed areas in search of something to eat.
The first incident occurred early Friday at Park Creek Campground in Rio Grande National Forest, where a bear bit a woman on the arm through the wall of her tent. She was treated for a puncture wound and taken to Rio Grande Hospital for additional care. Wildlife officers believe the animal reacted out of surprise rather than aggression. The campground, which had already been scheduled to close for the season, shut down several days early following the encounter.
Two days later, a black bear tore through a window screen at a Durango condominium and entered the bedroom of a 17-year-old. The teenager hid beneath her blankets as the bear approached the bed and eventually swiped at her stomach, leaving three scratches. Wildlife officials said the layers of blankets likely prevented more serious injuries.
Authorities are searching for that bear, which was subsequently linked to another home break-in, and plan to remove it. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging residents to lock garages, doors, and windows and secure bird feeders, food, and other items that could attract bears.
Read more at CBS News.
5 OF 5
Spain Wants More Tourists to Explore Inland Regions Under Its 2030 Strategy
Spain is looking to spread tourism more evenly around the country as international arrivals continue to climb. After a record 96.8 million international tourists visited in 2025, the country is expected to approach 100 million visitors this year.
Under the government’s Spain Tourism 2030 strategy, officials are putting greater emphasis on environmental, social, and economic sustainability—and on the quality of life of people who live in popular destinations. Residents are one of five groups at the center of the policy, alongside destinations, businesses, tourism workers, and visitors.
Speaking about the strategy at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Carlos Ruiz González, director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the Gulf region at Turespaña, said Spain wants visitors to look beyond its best-known tourism centers and spend more time in rural and inland parts of the country. The goal is not to discourage travel to places such as Barcelona or Spain’s established coastal resorts, but to distribute visitors more widely.
Among the alternatives highlighted by Turespaña are the Pyrenees, Picos de Europa, Sierra de Guadarrama, and historic cities and smaller towns across Castilla. Spain’s extensive high-speed rail network also makes it increasingly easy for travelers to reach destinations away from the country’s busiest tourism hubs.
Officials are simultaneously encouraging a slower style of travel, with visitors staying longer rather than concentrating short trips in a handful of heavily visited destinations.
Read more at Euronews.