Eurostar strands thousands: What to know about the Channel Tunnel Power Failure days before New Year
Eurostar Celestia train at London St-Pancras International station. Image Source: Alstom
Thousands of passengers were left stranded across the UK and mainland Europe after Eurostar suspended services to and from London following a power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel, triggering widespread disruption just days before New Year’s Eve.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, forced the temporary closure of one of Europe’s busiest transport corridors. Although tunnel operator Getlink later confirmed a partial reopening and a “gradual” resumption of traffic, Eurostar continued to strongly advise passengers to postpone journeys, warning of severe delays and last-minute cancellations.
What Caused the Eurostar and Channel Tunnel Disruption?
According to Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, the disruption was caused by a failure in the overhead power supply, which required urgent technical intervention. The problem was compounded by a broken-down LeShuttle train inside the tunnel, halting both passenger and vehicle traffic.
“A technical intervention is currently underway on the cables,” a Getlink spokesperson said, adding that train traffic would resume progressively from Tuesday afternoon.
While the faulty LeShuttle train has since been removed, both Getlink and Eurostar confirmed that services remain severely disrupted.
Eurostar Services Resume Gradually, But With Major Warnings
Eurostar later announced that some services would begin running again as the tunnel partially reopened. However, the operator cautioned that any trains running are likely to face long delays and possible cancellations.
In a statement to passengers, Eurostar said:
“The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.”
Only a handful of departures from St Pancras International to Paris and Brussels were listed as potentially operational, with many still marked as cancelled on live departure boards.
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Chaos at St Pancras and Gare du Nord
Scenes of confusion unfolded at London’s St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord, where crowds of passengers waited for updates amid rolling cancellations.
BBC reporters described passengers in tears, others glued to their phones attempting to rebook flights, ferries, or hotels. Some travellers reported being stuck on trains for hours before being forced to return to London, while others abandoned long-planned New Year trips altogether.
American, Australian, Nigerian, and Mexican tourists were among those affected, with some forced to pay hundreds of pounds for last-minute flights or overnight accommodation.
LeShuttle and Road Travel Also Severely Affected
The disruption extended beyond Eurostar. LeShuttle, which carries vehicles through the tunnel, suspended services temporarily and later resumed with delays of up to six hours.
At Folkestone and Calais, motorists reported being stuck in their cars for hours after passing border controls, unable to move forward or return. The Port of Dover also warned of delays of up to 90 minutes as travellers sought ferry alternatives.
Passenger Rights: Refunds, Rebooking, and Compensation
Consumer group “Which? Travel” reminded passengers of their rights during the disruption:
- Free ticket exchanges for a later date
- Full refunds or Eurostar e-vouchers
- Delay compensation for affected journeys
- Hotel accommodation or reimbursement if stranded overnight
Eurostar confirmed passengers have up to three months to claim refunds, vouchers, or rebooking options.
Why This Disruption Matters
The Channel Tunnel outage struck during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with thousands heading across Europe for holiday celebrations. Transport experts warn that even a partial reopening could take days to fully stabilise services.
For now, Eurostar and tunnel operators continue to urge travellers to check live updates and avoid unnecessary travel until normal operations resume.
FAQ
Why was Eurostar suspended?
Eurostar suspended services due to a power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel, compounded by a broken-down LeShuttle train.
Is Eurostar running now?
Some services are resuming gradually, but Eurostar strongly advises passengers to postpone travel due to delays and cancellations.
Which routes were affected?
All Eurostar routes to and from London, including Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, were impacted.
Can I get a refund or rebook my ticket?
Yes. Passengers can rebook for free, request a refund, or claim an e-voucher valid for 12 months.
Are LeShuttle services running?
LeShuttle services have resumed but remain severely delayed, with long queues reported at terminals.
Should I go to the station if my train is cancelled?
No. Eurostar advises passengers not to travel to the station if their train is confirmed as cancelled.
How long will disruption last?
Operators say services should stabilise gradually, but full normal operations may take time.
Where can I get live updates?
Check the Eurostar website, Channel Tunnel operator updates, and national rail advisories for real-time information.