Rotterdam and Kinderdijk, Netherlands, are now featured in high detail within the latest update to Microsoft Flight Simulator, offering users a realistic digital experience of the region. The update, released on March 20, 2026, coincides with FlightSimWeekend, a major flight simulation conference taking place in Lelystad, Netherlands, from March 20-22, 2026.
The new release includes eight areas of interest (AOIs) across the Netherlands: three in Amsterdam, and one each in Breukelen, Brielle, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Microsoft Flight Simulator’s City Update 14 celebrates the history and scenery of both the Netherlands and Belgium. The addition of detailed locations like Kinderdijk, famous for its windmills, expands the simulator’s immersive capabilities.
For those unable to experience the Dutch skyline firsthand, or pursue pilot training, the update provides a virtual alternative. The update utilizes high-fidelity triangulated irregular network (TIN) surface texturing to render the areas with greater accuracy. This level of detail reflects the growing sophistication of flight simulation technology and its potential for both entertainment and professional training. Users can also explore a detailed version of Kinderdijk, known for its historic windmills, through a dedicated VFR (Visual Flight Rules) route, as showcased in a YouTube video demonstrating a flight from Rotterdam to Gorinchem.
The Netherlands, often informally called Holland, is renowned for its windmills and extensive waterway system. This update underscores Microsoft’s commitment to providing geographically accurate and visually stunning environments within its flight simulation platform.
