Eurostar delays stretched into a second consecutive day on Wednesday as rail operators worked to restore normal services following a major power failure inside the Channel Tunnel, leaving thousands of passengers facing uncertainty during peak New Year travel.
The disruption began on Tuesday when an overhead power supply fault, combined with a broken-down vehicle shuttle, forced the closure of both rail routes through the tunnel. Although limited services resumed later that evening, congestion and knock-on delays continued overnight.
Passengers Stranded Onboard for Hours
Several travellers reported being stuck onboard stationary trains for more than six hours. One passenger who departed London on an evening service to Paris said the train remained halted near the tunnel entrance well into the early hours of the morning, with staff unable to confirm whether the journey would proceed or turn back.
Another traveller, returning to Amsterdam from the UK, described spending the night without onboard power while passengers alternated between sleeping and worrying about their onward journey.
Others eventually reached destinations such as Brussels in the early morning, describing the experience as emotionally exhausting after hours of uncertainty.
Limited Services Resume but Delays Persist
Eurostar confirmed that it planned to operate its full schedule on Wednesday but warned passengers to expect possible delays and last-minute cancellations due to ongoing infrastructure issues. One early-morning London–Paris departure was cancelled as services were gradually reinstated.
In an update published online, the operator said services had resumed following the power failure, but residual issues overnight continued to affect the timetable.
Channel Tunnel Operator Responds
Getlink, which manages the Channel Tunnel, said engineering teams worked throughout the night to repair damaged power equipment. Only one of the tunnel’s two rail lines was operational for much of Tuesday evening, severely limiting traffic.
A photograph shared with the BBC appeared to show damaged overhead electrical cables lying across the tracks, highlighting the scale of the incident.
Crowds and Road Congestion Build
The outage triggered overcrowding at London St Pancras International, where large groups of stranded passengers gathered as updates trickled in. Social media was flooded with images of packed concourses and long queues.
Road users were also affected, with traffic tailbacks reported near the LeShuttle terminal in Folkestone as cars waited to cross to France. One motorist told PA News he was stuck in his vehicle for several hours without access to food or water.
Cancellations and Passenger Options
By midday on Tuesday, at least a dozen Eurostar services linking the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands had been cancelled. The rail operator apologised for the disruption and said affected customers could rebook journeys free of charge or opt for refunds or travel vouchers.
Passengers were also advised not to travel to stations if their services had already been cancelled, as congestion remained high.
New Year Travel Still Uncertain
While services are gradually returning, Eurostar delays continue to pose challenges for travellers hoping to reach family and celebrations ahead of New Year’s Eve. Passengers are urged to monitor live updates and allow extra time for cross-Channel journeys.
