All Eurostar services to and from St Pancras International have been halted due to a power outage affecting the Channel Tunnel, creating significant disruptions for travelers. A Eurostar spokesperson announced that train operations have been suspended indefinitely, with no timeline provided for resuming services.
Traffic congestion has intensified at Folkestone, where Le Shuttle trains, which transport vehicles and freight, are also impacted. Passengers are being warned of “severe delays,” and both operators have advised travelers to reconsider their journey plans.
In a notice on its website, Eurostar stated, “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.”
As thousands of passengers typically rely on Channel Tunnel services during the bustling Christmas period, the scale of this disruption is noteworthy. Current updates indicate that trains already in transit from Paris to London are marked as delayed, while further delays are accumulating for departures from London to Paris. For example, the 7:01 am Eurostar service from St Pancras has reportedly been delayed by four hours.
In light of the situation, the Port of Dover has informed travelers that ferry operators between Dover and Calais are prepared to accommodate additional passengers seeking alternative options. Meanwhile, LNER has stepped in to assist affected travelers by allowing customers who abandoned their journeys at London King’s Cross to return home on the next available LNER service at no extra cost. Those who defer their travel on Eurostar can also use their original LNER tickets for travel on that day.
As authorities work to resolve the power supply issue and restore services, travelers are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed through official updates. With the holiday season in full swing, the hope is that solutions will emerge swiftly to minimize further inconveniences for those planning their journeys.