Eurostar Travel Disrupted as Channel Tunnel Power Failure Causes Widespread Delays
Severe disruption hit Eurostar services on Tuesday after a technical fault in the Channel Tunnel’s overhead power system brought cross-Channel rail travel to a near standstill. Large crowds formed at London’s St Pancras International as passengers faced cancellations, long delays, and uncertainty over their journeys.
Eurostar confirmed that the issue was linked to a failure in the tunnel’s power supply infrastructure, which also led to a vehicle shuttle train becoming inoperable. The combination of technical failures significantly reduced the number of trains able to pass through the tunnel, forcing operators to cancel multiple services at short notice.
Several scheduled departures between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord were cancelled throughout the afternoon and evening. Services in the opposite direction, from Paris to London, were also affected, leaving international travelers stranded on both sides of the Channel. Eurostar warned that additional cancellations could not be ruled out as engineers worked to resolve the issue.
Passengers were strongly advised to delay their travel plans and avoid coming to stations unless they already held tickets for scheduled departures. Even for trains that remained operational, passengers were warned to expect extended delays and possible last-minute changes to departure times.
The disruption extended beyond rail passengers. Vehicle shuttle services transporting cars and coaches through the Channel Tunnel reported significant waiting times. Travelers faced delays of several hours at terminals in both the United Kingdom and France, adding further pressure to already congested travel routes.
Rail authorities issued warnings that the ongoing power issue could continue to impact services for the remainder of the day. Travelers were urged to monitor live updates and confirm train status before setting out, as conditions remained fluid.
At St Pancras International, long queues built up near departure boards as travelers sought information on rescheduling options. Many passengers reported frustration over the lack of clarity and the impact on onward connections, hotel bookings, and holiday plans.
Eurostar said affected customers would be offered flexible travel options, including the ability to rebook for later dates, request refunds, or receive travel vouchers, depending on ticket conditions.
The incident marks one of the most serious Channel Tunnel disruptions in recent months and highlights the vulnerability of international rail services to infrastructure failures during peak travel periods. Authorities have not provided a timeline for a full return to normal operations.
