Partial Reopening of Channel Tunnel as Passengers Told Not to Travel
Some rail services through the Channel Tunnel have begun running again after a major power failure brought cross-Channel travel to a standstill earlier today.
Despite the partial resumption, disruption remains severe after a power supply failure affected one tunnel while a LeShuttle train broke down in the other, leaving no trains able to operate between the UK and France for several hours. Operators are continuing to warn passengers against travelling, with Eurostar advising customers to delay their journeys and rebook for a later date.
Traffic is now restarting gradually, with trains running alternately in each direction. However, significant delays are expected to continue, and engineers are due to work through the night in an effort to restore normal operations by the early hours.
LeShuttle has confirmed that some services are now departing from Folkestone and Calais, with limited operations restarting from 2pm on Tuesday 30 December. Even so, hundreds of motorists remain stuck in lengthy queues on both sides of the Channel as services slowly recover.
Rail passengers have also described being stranded onboard Eurostar trains within the tunnel. One traveller wrote on X: “Just waiting for our train to run out of food and water at this point. Maybe an overflowing toilet to top off this lovely debacle.”
A Getlink spokesperson said:
"Following the incident related to a power supply outage affecting trains in the tunnel LeShuttle service resumed very gradually on one track shortly before 3:00 p.m. CET. Service is operating alternately in both directions with significant delays. Additional shuttles will be added in the evening and until tomorrow morning. Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day. Our teams are continuing to work on repairing the power supply at the same time. Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding."
Eurostar said services would only restart on a limited basis and urged customers not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
In a statement, the operator said:
"As the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened we will start to resume services. The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date. Please don't come to the station if your train is confirmed as cancelled. We regret that trains that can run will be subject to severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations. Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the Train status and timetables page."
Meanwhile, LNER confirmed it is offering assistance to affected passengers, allowing free onward or return travel for those whose journeys have been disrupted.
A statement on the company’s website said:
“LNER customers with tickets dated Tuesday, December 30, who have been affected can travel on an alternative LNER train today, December 30. Any customers who have had to abandon their journey in London King’s Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no additional cost. LNER customers who choose to defer their Eurostar travel to a different day may use their existing LNER ticket to travel on the same day.”
Image: Getlink Group