Eurostar cancels all trains from London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels after a Channel Tunnel power outage. Latest updates, passenger info, and alternatives.
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Eurostar Cancels All London Trains to Paris, Amsterdam & Brussels After Channel Tunnel Power Outage
By Thomas Mackintosh and Nicky Schiller, reporting from St Pancras Station
What Caused the Eurostar Disruption?
All Eurostar services from London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels were cancelled until further notice after a significant power outage in the Channel Tunnel. This incident led to the failure of a Le Shuttle train, causing widespread operational issues.
Staff at London St Pancras Station have been advising passengers to postpone their travel plans and re-book at a later date. By midday, at least a dozen services connecting the UK, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands had been cancelled. Many additional trains experienced delays or were rerouted, causing widespread frustration and inconvenience.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Also Affected
The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle suspended its trains between Folkestone and Calais due to the same “power supply issue,” which occurred overnight. Check-in and border control services at both ends of the tunnel are experiencing long delays.
Passenger Advice and Support
According to National Rail, major disruption is expected to last until the end of the day.
Eurostar stated:
“Services to and from London are suspended until further notice due to overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel, followed by a failed Le Shuttle train. We advise customers to re-book for another day, with free exchanges available. We apologise for the disruption and will keep customers updated with the latest information.”
Eurostar passengers may rearrange plans free of charge, or cancel for a refund or an e-voucher.
Visit this guide on Eurostar refund and delay policies for more information.
Updates from Eurotunnel and Le Shuttle
The malfunctioning Le Shuttle train has now been cleared from the Channel Tunnel, and Eurotunnel expects services to resume around 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT). However, waiting times are expected to fluctuate throughout the remainder of the day.
“Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible,” Le Shuttle announced, apologizing for inconvenience caused and thanking customers for their patience.
The Passenger Experience: Voices from the Platform and Tunnel
Inside the Tunnel: Stranded Families
Ben Clark from Bedfordshire reported being stuck onboard Le Shuttle in Calais with his family since 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT), describing restless children and a tense atmosphere:
“Some people are getting angry but there’s nothing that can be done, others are sleeping in their cars. We have used up our snacks and now have no plan B or C.”
Folkestone and Calais Terminals Jammed with Delays
Passengers at the Folkestone terminal are reporting delays of up to three and a half hours. Many are struggling to get updates about the situation, with some considering alternative travel routes such as ferries.
Steph Roberts, delayed at Calais, said, “We’ve not had any updates or been given any food or water. We’re keeping busy with magazines and walking the dog.”
How to Stay Updated and What To Do If You Are Affected
Passengers can monitor further service updates on the official Eurostar website and have the option to contact Eurostar support to re-arrange travel or request refunds.
For UK-wide rail updates, consult National Rail Enquiries.
- Email your experiences: bbcyourvoice@bbc.co.uk
- WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
- Submit photos and videos through BBC Your Voice
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Background: About the Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel—or “Chunnel”—is a crucial rail link beneath the English Channel between the UK and France. Power and technical disruptions, while rare, can have major impacts on travel and trade throughout Europe.
Related Resources
- See our guide: How to Handle UK Train Strikes & Travel Disruption
- Learn more about Channel Tunnel news on The Guardian