Eurostar Suspends Channel Tunnel Services After Major Power Supply Failure Disrupts Travel
LONDON — Eurostar has temporarily stopped all cross-Channel train services linking the United Kingdom with continental Europe after a power supply issue in the Channel Tunnel, the high-speed rail operator said Tuesday, disrupting travel on one of Europe’s busiest rail corridors during a crucial holiday period. The suspension affects routes between London and major destinations including Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Disneyland Paris.
In a statement posted on its website, Eurostar warned passengers of “severe delays and cancellations” and urged travellers without confirmed tickets not to travel until services resume. The company cited a problem with the overhead power supply inside the Channel Tunnel — the 50-kilometre undersea rail link between Folkestone in the UK and Coquelles near Calais in France — and a subsequent failure of a Le Shuttle train, which carries cars and freight.
“This power issue has disrupted electrical supply in the tunnel and we strongly advise passengers to postpone journeys to a later date,” Eurostar said, emphasising that trains capable of running are facing significant delays and last-minute cancellations. The operator also recommended travellers check real-time updates before making plans.
The disruption has had a ripple effect on travel in both countries, with long queues forming at Folkestone’s Eurotunnel terminal and delays reported on the French side in Calais. Drivers preparing to board Le Shuttle car-carrying services were similarly affected, as those services remain suspended until the electrical fault is resolved.
National Rail in the UK warned that train customers aiming to continue journeys from London to France or beyond should expect severe delays and last-minute cancellations, reflecting the knock-on impact on connecting services. Both Eurostar and tunnel operator Getlink have not yet provided a timeline for when normal operations will resume, leaving thousands of travellers uncertain about holiday travel plans.
Passengers caught up in the disruption reported being stuck on trains or waiting at terminals, with some urged to seek alternative travel plans or rearrange tickets via the Eurostar app or website. Travel experts said the timing — at the height of the Christmas and New Year holiday season — means the breakdown could affect tens of thousands of journeys across international rail networks.
Eurostar continues to work with engineers and partners to restore power and resume services safely, but advised customers to remain updated via official channels before heading to stations.
