The international high-speed passenger rail service linking the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands had to cancel all services following a “major disruption.”
“Eurostar services between London and other destinations are suspended indefinitely due to overhead power supply problems in the Channel Tunnel, compounded by a malfunctioning LeShuttle train,” Eurostar stated in an email sent to Digital.
“We recommend our customers rebook their trips for another day, with free ticket exchanges available,” the statement continued. “We apologize for the disruption and will keep customers informed with the most recent updates.”
Eurotunnel noted that “LeShuttle service began a very gradual resumption” just before 3:00 p.m. CET. The company added that service was “alternating in both directions with substantial delays.” Additional shuttles will be added Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
Eurostar informed Digital that its services between London and other locations are set to resume around 6:00 p.m. GMT. The company is encouraging travelers to rebook their trips, as the power issues continue to affect operations.
“Since the overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel persist, only one track is available for train operations. This will result in ongoing delays and longer-than-normal journey times this evening,” Eurostar stated.
Customers with canceled trains are advised not to go to the station, as those services will not be reinstated.
Eurostar informed Digital that passengers with canceled trips can, within three months of their original travel date, select from several compensation options. These include a free exchange for a ticket on a different day, an e-voucher for the unused ticket valid for 12 months, or a refund for the unused ticket.
Passengers stranded by the disruption are eligible for Eurostar to cover various expenses, including hotel stays up to roughly $199 per room per night, taxi fares up to about $70 per trip, and food and drink costs up to approximately $47 per person per day.
Earlier on Tuesday, Eurostar warned travelers to postpone their trips due to a power supply issue. The company noted that passengers might face significant delays and last-minute cancellations. Customers were told not to go to the station unless they already had a ticket.
The U.K.’s National Rail released a similar statement advising travelers to postpone their trips amid delays and cancellations between London St. Pancras International and Paris Nord, according to the BBC.
“An incident involving the train power supply occurred last night in a section of the Channel Tunnel, impacting train and shuttle traffic. A technical intervention is needed and is currently in progress,” Eurotunnel stated in a message provided to Digital. “Service is temporarily suspended in both directions.”
Eurostar informed Digital that no passengers were left stranded in the tunnel and that the malfunctioning LeShuttle train had been removed.
LeShuttle, distinct from Eurostar’s passenger-only rail service, operates between Folkestone, U.K., and , transporting passengers and their vehicles through the Channel Tunnel in 35 minutes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) informed Digital that customers with December 30 tickets affected by the Eurostar disruption can travel to their home station on an alternative LNER train at no extra cost.
“Any LNER customers who had to abandon their journey at London King’s Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no extra cost,” LNER stated. “LNER customers who choose to reschedule their Eurostar travel to another day may use their existing LNER ticket for travel on that same day.”
When asked for comment, National Rail directed Digital to Eurostar’s media center.
LeShuttle did not immediately reply to Digital’s request for comment.