All Eurostar services to and from London St Pancras have been cancelled today, following what the rail operator described as a “major disruption” in the Channel Tunnel.
A statement issued by Eurostar on Tuesday morning explained that a fault with the overhead power supply in the tunnel is behind the disruption.
The statement reads: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train, we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.
“Please don’t come to the station unless you already have a ticket to travel. We regret that trains that can run are subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations.”
Several trains from London to Paris have already been cancelled, including the 14:31, 15:31, and 20:01 services. Services on the LeShuttle route, which transports road vehicles between Folkestone and Calais, are also heavily affected.
Many travellers remain at London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord stations waiting for updates, though crowds have begun to thin after Eurostar advised that no further services would run today.
Following the disruption, LNER has announced exceptions to its ticket rules for affected passengers.
An update from the company read, “LNER customers with tickets dated Tuesday, 30 December, who have been affected can travel on an alternative LNER train today, 30 December.
“Any customers who have had to abandon their journey in London King’s Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no additional cost.
“LNER customers who choose to defer their Eurostar travel to a different day may use their existing LNER ticket to travel on the same day.”
Eurotunnel also provided a statement to The Independent, “An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic.
“A technical intervention is required, which is currently underway.
“The service is temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is expected to resume gradually around 3 PM.
“Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
“Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day.
“Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding.”
The disruption comes at a busy time, as many travellers plan journeys around the New Year, causing further delays and frustration ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Eurostar has outlined options for passengers affected by delays or cancellations. Its website states:
Exchange your booking for free to travel in the same travel class at a different time or date.
Cancel your booking and claim an e-voucher, redeemable within 12 months.
Cancel your booking and get a refund for the value of your ticket, excluding booking or exchange fees. Requests will be processed within 28 days.
Passengers have three months from the date they were due to travel to claim their preferred option.
The BBC reports that announcements at St Pancras International informed waiting passengers in both English and French that all Eurostar services are cancelled today, urging travellers to rebook.
The AFP news agency confirms that services between London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels have been suspended.
From the UK to France, the 14:31, 15:31, and 20:01 trains have been cancelled, while in the opposite direction, the 15:12, 17:12, 20:12, and 21:12 trains are also cancelled. Some services remain listed as running, but Eurostar advises passengers not to travel today and warns of further last-minute cancellations.
LeShuttle, which carries road vehicles through the Channel Tunnel, has also reported severe delays, estimating three-and-a-half hours on the UK side and around two hours on the French side.
National Rail has issued a warning advising passengers to postpone journeys, “There is a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel.
“Trains are likely to be subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations. Check before you travel as your journey could be disrupted. We strongly advise all passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.”
