UPDATE: Eurostar has just announced significant service disruptions impacting thousands of passengers traveling from London to Europe. Due to ongoing issues with overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel, travelers are urged to stay away from stations as delays and cancellations continue.
The chaos began earlier today, December 26, 2023, when an overhead power supply failure, combined with a stalled LeShuttle train, blocked all routes. As a result, Eurostar services were completely suspended, leaving many stranded during the busy New Year travel period.
Eurostar confirmed that while some services resumed on Tuesday evening, only one line is currently operational. Passengers are facing prolonged delays and are advised to rebook their journeys for another day. “We continue to advise our customers to rebook their journey for another day if possible, with free exchanges available,” the operator stated.
Travelers at St Pancras station in central London described the scene as chaotic and frustrating. “Today, nothing at all,” a Eurostar staff member told waiting passengers. Others received water bottles from staff as they faced long waits with little information.
Eurotunnel, which operates the Channel Tunnel, reported on Tuesday that “an incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night,” leading to the suspension of services in both directions. “A technical intervention is required, which is currently underway,” their statement added.
Passengers hoping to cross through the Eurotunnel are experiencing severe delays. LeShuttle services between Folkestone and Calais resumed earlier today but warned of wait times extending up to six hours at the Folkestone terminal. Cars lined up for miles, adding to the travel chaos.
Tim Brown, a LeShuttle passenger stuck in his car for over three hours at the Calais terminal, expressed frustration over the lack of assistance. “No access to food or water has made this even worse,” he said, noting his dogs were also suffering in the heat.
For those traveling with plans for the New Year, the disruption has been particularly disappointing. John Paul, who had a surprise trip to Paris booked for New Year’s Eve with his partner Lucy, revealed their train was unexpectedly canceled after hours of waiting. “We’ll have to put romance on hold,” he lamented, highlighting their lost reservations for a river cruise and a visit to the Eiffel Tower.
The Department for Transport has confirmed they are working with Eurotunnel and Eurostar to restore some services while repairs continue. “Significant disruption is likely for the remainder of the day,” officials stated, urging passengers to check for updates from their operators.
As this situation develops, travelers are advised to remain patient and stay informed through official channels. Eurostar has pledged to keep customers updated and provide support for rescheduling their bookings.
For travelers planning to take Eurostar or LeShuttle services, the urgency is clear: check your travel plans and consider alternatives due to the ongoing issues in the Channel Tunnel.
