UPDATE: Eurostar has just announced significant disruptions affecting its services between London and Europe. Passengers are being urged to stay away from stations as the chaos continues due to power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel.
The travel nightmare began on December 31, 2023, when a power supply failure and a malfunctioning LeShuttle train caused all Eurostar services to be cancelled. Thousands of travelers hoping to kick off their New Year celebrations were caught in hours of delays, with many still stranded.
As of this evening, some Eurostar services have resumed, but the operator warns that only one line is operational, leading to extended delays and longer journey times. Eurostar officials state, “We continue to advise our customers to rebook their journey for another day if possible, with free exchanges available.” They emphasize the importance of not coming to the stations if your train has been cancelled.
The turmoil has also affected LeShuttle services, which are now resuming between Folkestone and Calais. However, passengers are facing up to six-hour delays at the Folkestone terminal, according to officials.
Earlier today, Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, reported that “an incident related to the power supply to trains” occurred, impacting all train and shuttle traffic. A technical team is actively working to restore normal operations, but significant delays are expected to persist throughout the day.
Passengers are expressing frustration over the lack of communication and support. Tim Brown, who was stuck in his car on a LeShuttle train for over three hours, lamented the absence of basic amenities such as food and water. “The fact that nobody has come around offering everybody a bottle of water is what has shocked me the most,” he said, highlighting the dire situation for those trapped onboard.
John Paul, a traveler en route to Paris for a New Year’s celebration, shared his disappointment after their Eurostar train was unexpectedly cancelled. “We left on the 7 o’clock train this morning, and after spending hours onboard, we were sent back to London,” he explained. His partner, Lucy, had gifted him the trip as a surprise Christmas present, and their plans to enjoy a romantic evening in Paris have now been dashed.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Department for Transport confirmed that Eurotunnel is working closely with operators to resume services while repairs are ongoing. They cautioned that “significant disruption is likely for the remainder of the day.” Passengers are encouraged to check with their respective operators for the latest updates.
As the situation unfolds, the public is reminded to stay informed and consider alternative travel arrangements. The impact of this disruption is being felt widely, not only for travelers but also for families and friends awaiting their return from holiday trips.
Stay tuned for further updates as Eurostar and LeShuttle work to resolve these issues.
