From 1 February to 19 July 2027, all air traffic to and from Eindhoven Airport will be suspended. During this period, the runway will undergo renovation. For companies that make frequent use of the airport, the temporary closure will require alternative ways of travelling during that time.

As part of the renovation, the runway will be widened. In addition, a new taxiway and extra runway lighting will be installed, among other improvements. These works will ensure that the runway is even better prepared for the future.

Eindhoven Airport important link

Eindhoven Airport forms an important link in the region. This is evident from the story of Myra van Nunen, who is responsible for events and finance at the FuseNet Education Network.

At Eindhoven University of Technology, FuseNet brings together nuclear fusion professors, students and professionals from across Europe to promote knowledge sharing and network development. Myra regularly travels via Eindhoven Airport to conferences and meetings across Europe.

Busy schedule across Europe

Due to the large-scale works, Myra and her colleagues will not be able to use the airport for five and a half months. They will have to use an alternative airport temporarily, which will add extra travel time to their already busy schedules. Myra flies on average around six times a year for work from Eindhoven Airport.“I was in Lisbon and Rome in May.” In Portugal, she attended a two-day event for a communication congress with colleagues from FuseNet in other European countries. At the end of the month, she flew to Rome to visit the University of Tuscia in Viterbo.“

A three-day conference will take place there in mid-October, where PhD students present their research and network with each other.” Around 125 PhD candidates in nuclear fusion from approximately 25 European countries are expected to attend. Later this year, Barcelona and Madrid are also on the agenda for a presentation about FuseNet and participation in a panel on fusion education.

For Myra, having face-to-face contact is essential in her work. According to her, the fact that these nuclear fusion specialists are able to connect through FuseNet is crucial for the scientific project focused on developing a new, clean energy source. Myra works in Eindhoven together with one colleague and a group of students. The FuseNet network consists of 66 members — universities and research institutes from across Europe. That is why Eindhoven Airport is important to her. “We will have to use other airports, and that will significantly increase our travel time,” says Myra.

“We will look at flying via Maastricht or Düsseldorf; otherwise it will be Schiphol.” She does not consider Belgian airports a good alternative due to the distance and less convenient rail connections.“But it is certain that using alternative airports will cost us much more time. Precisely because Eindhoven Airport is so close — something our students also really value — it is so practical. From the university, we can reach the airport quickly and be back home just as fast.”

Connection is essential

Myra is not the only one who frequently uses Eindhoven Airport. Her colleague, who gives lectures and knowledge sessions on fusion at European universities and research institutes, travels via Eindhoven Airport around twelve times a year. In addition, professors from European universities regularly visit Eindhoven University of Technology.Myra: “It is really important that we connect the right people, so that across Europe people know what is happening in fusion and what the latest insights are. Only then can we bring fusion closer together.”

Convenience also matters privately

She is also a frequent traveller in her personal life and expects to miss Eindhoven Airport during the five-and-a-half months that she cannot use it due to the works.“With our family, we fly at least five times a year for a holiday or city trip. We live close to the airport. Travelling via Eindhoven Airport is fast and convenient for us.”

Stay up to date on developments surrounding the renovation via the website.