Some cross-Channel rail services have started resuming after a power failure forced the closure of the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar cancelled all its London to Europe services for the day.
Crowds of waiting passengers built up at London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord stations, and hundreds of cars were trapped in queues for LeShuttle at Folkestone before the vehicle-train service to Calais started resuming. LeShuttle chiefs warned of six-hour delays at the Folkestone terminal.
Passengers were “strongly advised” not to go to London St Pancras for services, even if they had booked.
A problem with the overhead power supply and a failed train blocked all traffic on Tuesday, causing travel chaos for thousands trying to get away to celebrate the new year.
Eurostar said: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train, the Channel tunnel is currently closed.
“Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.
“Please do not come to the station.”
Key points
- Eurostar passengers told not to travel after 'major disruption'
- All Eurostar services cancelled, passengers told
- Eurotunnel provides update: 'Our teams are working to restore the situation'
- Everything you need to know about New Year travel chaos, including Eurostar disruption
Thirty trains cancelled, says Eurostar
21:20 , Jane DaltonEurostar says 30 trains have been cancelled so far. The numbers are:
- London to Paris: 10
- Paris to London: 9
- London to Brussels: 5
- Brussels to London: 6
While Eurostar will not say how many passengers are affected, The Independent calculates 25,000 travellers have had their plans torn up.
Your rights if trains are cancelled or delayed
20:10 , Jane Dalton
'Disaster' for family of at least nine
19:30 , Jane DaltonA family hoping to spend the New Year in Disneyland said it was a "complete disaster" when their train from London to Paris took them back to the UK.
Charles Nduka-Eze, from Nigeria, was on a train with his family from London to Paris at around 7am before it returned to London.
Speaking at St Pancras station, he said the group had checked out of their London hotel and had already paid for their holiday in Paris, including river cruises and to take the children to Disneyland, as well as hotel rooms for nine members of his family.
"I'm not concerned about the refund for now, I'm thinking about what to do," he said.
"In a nutshell, it's a complete disaster."
Everything you need to know about New Year travel chaos
19:20 , Jane DaltonBy Simon Calder:
Travel chaos to expect before New Year, including Eurostar disruption
In pictures: Thousands delayed
18:55 , Jane Dalton
East Coast rail firm lets Eurostar passengers go home free
18:14 , Jane DaltonPassengers hit by the Eurostar disruption can travel to their home station free on LNER trains, the rail operator says.
It said: "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."
LNER runs services on the East Coast Main Line.
Passengers must be compensated, says shadow transport secretary
17:30 , Jane DaltonRail authorities must make sure passengers are properly compensated after the Channel Tunnel power failure, the shadow transport secretary says.
Conservative MP Richard Holden said: "It's incredibly frustrating to see so many people left stranded, with their travel plans thrown into chaos ahead of the new year.
"The Government must get ahead of this, work closely with Eurostar, Network Rail, and French partners to get passengers to their destinations, and ensure they are properly compensated for the disruption."
Your rights if trains are cancelled or delayed
17:14 , Jane DaltonCouple spent five hours on journey to nowhere
16:59 , Jane DaltonMark Sutherland and Salli Johnson from Spilsby, Lincolnshire, were on a train to Brussels that reached the entrance to the Channel Tunnel but went no further. They spent five hours going nowhere.
“We were told that when we arrived back in London there would be somebody in the terminal to speak to,” Mr Sutherland said.
“They said there might already be two or three trains there, so it could be busy, and we were told to bide our time. But they assured us there would be someone there to give us advice on what to do.
“When we got there, the police told us there was nobody there, that it was closed, and that was it. There was no support at all.
“It felt like they were just trying to keep people happy on the train to stop anyone becoming abusive. Everyone was perfect on the train — we were even praised for being so well behaved — but then you get off and there’s nobody to support you or explain what’s happening.
“It was just disorganised. No help, no backup, nothing.”
Kent couple stranded as ferries booked
16:46 , Jane DaltonDon and Deborah Elmore from Deal in Kent were heading for France. Ms Elmore said: “We got the train up this morning, the high-speed service into St Pancras, because Eurostar doesn’t stop in Kent any more. We arrived here around 8.30 this morning, and just before we got here we received a message about possible disruption.
“Since then, we’ve been here listening to varied announcements, all giving different levels of information. We’ve got our fingers crossed.
“We looked at going back nearer home and travelling from Dover, but all ferries are fully booked.
“We thought about getting the train from Calais to Paris. We’ve got friends who flew from Manchester and are already in the apartment we’ve rented for New Year, waiting for us — but we’re stranded at the moment.”
About 30,000 passengers had journeys cancelled
16:35 , Jane DaltonSimon Calder at London St Pancras International has counted 37 train cancellations so far today – 25 between London and Paris and a further dozen between London and Brussels.
With an estimated 800 passengers booked on each service, that equates to 29,600 people who have been told they are going nowhere.
Eurostar has also curtailed a London-Amsterdam departure, which will be going no further than Brussels – though many connections are available.
Eurostar warns of more delays and longer journeys
16:25 , Jane DaltonEurostar has updated its information to say: “Following the suspension services of services due to overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel and a failed LeShuttle train, Eurostar services to and from London will resume this evening at around 17:00 CET/18:00 UK following the partial reopening of the Channel Tunnel.
“As the overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel still remain, only one line is available to run trains on.
“This means there will continue to be delays and longer journey times than usual this evening.
“Therefore we continue to advise our customers to rebook their journey for another day if possible, with free exchanges available.
“We also advise customers not to come to our stations if their trains have been already been cancelled.
“Although outside of our control, we apologise for the disruption today and will continue to keep customers updated with the latest information and support them with rescheduling their bookings.”
Trains resuming but fully booked
16:11 , Jane DaltonSome Eurostar passengers have started to file through towards the departure and security area after some services resumed.
An announcement at King's Cross St Pancras told hundreds of people waiting that the trains that would be running were fully booked while some remained cancelled.
A staff member held up a sign for passengers on the 3.04pm service to Brussels to come forward.
Those waiting looked at their phones and peered over the crowd to look at the departure boards.
Others took their suitcases and walked away from the Eurostar area.
Disruption likely all day, says government
15:43 , Jane DaltonA spokesperson for the Department for Transport said on Tuesday afternoon: "Eurotunnel is working with operators to resume some services while repairs to overhead electrical cables in the Channel Tunnel are ongoing. However, significant disruption is likely for the remainder of the day.
"We are working with Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum to minimise disruption for passengers.
"Passengers are encouraged to check with their operator for updates and guidance."
Disneyland trip cancelled for family of at least nine
15:42 , Jane DaltonA family hoping to spend the New Year in Disneyland has told of the "complete disaster" they faced as their train from London to Paris took them back to the UK capital.
Charles Nduka-Eze, from Nigeria, was on a train with his family from London to Paris at around 7am before it returned to London.
Speaking at St Pancras station, he said: "In a nutshell, it's a complete disaster."
Mr Nduka-Eze said the group had checked out of their London hotel and had already paid for their holiday in Paris, including river cruises and to take the children to Disneyland, as well as hotel rooms for nine members of his family.
"I'm not concerned about the refund for now, I'm thinking about what to do," he said.
Sleigh suffers post-Christmas travel disruption
15:23 , Jane DaltonA woman travelling to Brussels to spend New Year's Eve with her partner said it was "super-frustrating" after her Eurostar train was cancelled.
Ruby Sleigh said she had got on the 7.04am train which departed an hour late from London before eventually returning.
She said: "I'm just going wait and see if I can get on another train today or I'll have to go tomorrow.
"I've come to terms with it now, but it was one of those when they keep being like, 'it'll be fine' and then you're like, 'no, we're going backwards'."
The 33-year-old, who lives in London while her partner lives in Germany, said: "We don't get to see each other that often, so we're just going to spend it together and meet some of their friends, but yeah, it would have been nice."
"I've been looking forward to this for a long time so it was super- frustrating," she added.
EasyJet adds extra flights for Eurostar passengers
15:18 , Simon CalderBritain's biggest budget airline, easyJet, is putting on an additional flight today from London Gatwick Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle, with a return flight this evening.
An airline spokesperson said: "The additional flight will enable nearly 500 passengers to continue their journey to or from Paris in time for New Year’s Eve after Eurostar advised customers to postpone plans.
“EasyJet already added more than 200 seats for passengers on earlier flights between London and Paris today by swapping larger aircraft onto London and Paris flights, meaning the airline has provided extra capacity for nearly 700 passengers in total today."
The extra flights will take off from London Gatwick 6.40pm, and the return flight from Paris to London at 9.45pm.
Passengers warned to postpone travel as services set to resume
15:04 , Jane DaltonEurostar says it will resume services to Europe today, but the earlier power supply issue remains and it strongly' advises passengers to postpone their journeys.
Couple put Paris romance on hold
15:03 , Jane DaltonA man travelling to Paris for New Year's Eve with his partner said they would have to “put romance on hold", after their Eurostar train was cancelled.
John Paul, from Peterborough, who was given the trip as a surprise Christmas present from his partner Lucy, said they had spent five hours on a Paris-bound train before it unexpectedly returned to London.
Speaking at King's Cross St Pancras, the 46-year-old said: "We left on the seven o'clock train this morning, we were seated on the train for about an hour, I think, waiting to leave from here, and then we got probably about an hour down the track, maybe 40 minutes, and then they basically said the train's got to stop because the train ahead got a braking issue.
"They kept telling us that the driver was trying to fix the brakes on this other train and that the other trains were then backed up and that was basically the same story that we were told all the way through.”
Mr Paul said they had a river cruise in Paris and the Eiffel Tower booked for Tuesday evening, adding: "We'll have to put romance on hold for a while."
Tunnel has reopened but services still not running, says Eurostar
14:52 , Jane DaltonSimon Calder reports from London St Pancras:
At 2.45 pm, an announcement rang out across the concourse: “The Channel Tunnel has reopened but Eurostar services are not yet running. We are awaiting updates and will keep you informed.”
The problem for passengers is that once trains resume, there will be an almighty scramble for seats. Those with bookings for trains that are running will take priority.
But travellers report problems using the Eurostar app, and say that options to rebook for later services are not available.
‘Quiet despair’ as thousands seek travel alternatives
14:50 , Jane DaltonSimon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, reports from London St Pancras International: “The scene at the Eurostar terminal is of quiet despair.
“Thousands of passengers are crowded into the concourse, kept back from the Eurostar ticketing and check-in area by police and security staff.
“I can see no visible Eurostar staff – just a list of cancelled trains and a sign reading: ‘Due to a problem in the Eurotunnel, our trains are likely to be subject to severe delays. Sorry for the inconvenience caused’.
“Most of the passengers are seeking to return from the UK to continental Europe. They are huddled around smartphones trying to find some other way home.”
Dog stuck without water for hours
14:38 , Jane DaltonDogs including Tim Brown’s dog Rilo were stuck without food or water for more than three hours on Le Shuttle at Calais.
Mr Brown, who was trying to get back to the UK after spending Christmas in Germany, said his dogs Rilo and Vinnie were "hating life" stuck on the train.
"The fact that nobody has come around offering everybody a bottle of water is what has shocked me the most," he said.
"I know things happen, but surely that would be an easy way to help."
LeShuttle services expected to restart gradually
14:29 , Jane DaltonLeShuttle services through the Channel Tunnel are expected to resume gradually after an earlier power supply incident, the operator says.
Getlink, which manages and operates the tunnel, said: "An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic. A technical intervention is required, which is currently under way.
"The service is temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is expected to resume gradually around 1500 CET [Central European Time ] for LeShuttle customers.
"Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
"Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day.
"Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding."
Hundreds of cars backed up
14:20 , Jane DaltonHundreds of cars are stuck in long queues for Le Shuttle at Folkestone.
At least it’s not raining.
We are stuck in lines of traffic waiting to board @Eurostar from #folkestone to #calais Going nowhere. Power failure apparently. One way to end the year! @EurostarUK pic.twitter.com/K2jNGqTlZV
— Dean Pallant (@Dean_Pallant) December 30, 2025
East Coast rail firm lets Eurostar passengers go home free
14:03 , Jane DaltonPassengers affected by the Eurostar disruption can travel to their home station free on LNER trains, the rail operator says.
It 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."
LNER runs services on the East Coast Main Line.
In pictures: Queues to board Le Shuttle
13:55 , Jane Dalton
Broken-down train moved out of tunnel
13:53 , Jane DaltonA broken down LeShuttle train has been moved out of the Channel Tunnel, a Eurostar spokesperson has told the PA news agency.
The operator said no passengers were stranded in the tunnel.
All services confirmed as suspended
13:43 , Jane DaltonAll services today have been suspended, Eurostar has confirmed.
An updated statement on its website says: "Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed.
"Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.
"Please do not come to the station.
"We're very sorry for the impact the situation may have on your travel plans."
EasyJet puts on bigger planes
13:25 , Simon CalderBritain's biggest budget airline, easyJet, is using larger planes for some of its scheduled flights today linking Luton and Gatwick with Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
A spokesperson said: "This has added over 200 extra seats and while they have sold out quickly, we will of course be monitoring for any additional opportunities to add capacity where possible and provide more options to help those whose plans have been impacted by the suspended train services."
Unclear when trains will resume – nor spare seats
13:23 , Simon Calder"Until further notice" – that is all Eurostar will say about how long trains linking London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam will be suspended following technical problems in the Channel Tunnel.
The train operator says: "Eurostar services to and from London are suspended until further notice due to overhead power supply issues in the Channel Tunnel, followed by a failed LeShuttle train.
"We advise our customers to rebook their journey for another day, with free exchanges available.
"We apologise for the disruption and will continue to keep customers updated with the latest information."
The Independent has reiterated a request about how heavily booked trains are for tomorrow, New Year’s Eve.
When services resume, passengers with existing bookings for those trains will take priority, and travellers whose trains have been cancelled will go to the end of the queue.
Eurostar has so far declined to say how much space there may be.
Crowds gather in London and Paris as dozens of trains cancelled
13:06 , Albert TothMany travellers are still waiting for updates at London St. Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord stations. However, crowds are beginning to thin out after the rail operator advised that there would be no further services today.
LNER provides update for customers affected by Eurostar issues
12:59 , Albert TothFollowing the disruption on Channel Tunnel services today, train company LNER has offered to make exceptions to its ticket rules for customers.
An update from the company advises: “LNER customers with tickets dated Tuesday, 30 December, who have been affected can travel on an alternative LNER train today, 30 December.
“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.”
Eurotunnel provides update: 'Our teams are working to restore the situation'
12:55 , Simon CalderEurotunnel has just told The Independent: “An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic.
“A technical intervention is required, which is currently underway.
“The service is temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is expected to resume gradually around 3 PM.”
“Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
“Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day.
“Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding.”
Everything you need to know about New Year travel chaos, including Eurostar disruption
12:49 , Albert TothTravelling around the New Year often brings chaos as millions of people make plans for the period.
The latest disruption in the Channel Tunnel will be dampening many travellers spirits today ahead of New Years’ Eve.
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder explains what to expect over the busy period:
Travel chaos to expect before New Year, including Eurostar disruption
Options if Eurostar train is delayed or cancelled
12:45 , Albert TothEurostar has laid out the options available to passengers who were due to travel on trains that have been delayed or cancelled today.
Information on the service’s website reads: “If you’d rather rearrange your plans, you can choose one of the following options:
- Exchange your booking for free to travel in the same travel class at a different time or date. It only takes a minute to rearrange your trip.
- Cancel your booking and claim an e-voucher. You will have 12 months from the date of your disrupted journey to redeem it on eurostar.com.
- Cancel your booking and get a refund. You’ll receive a refund for the value of your ticket but not for any booking or exchange fees. We'll process your request within 28 days.
“You have three months from the date you were due to travel to claim your preferred option.
All Eurostar services cancelled, passengers told
12:42 , Albert TothPassengers at St Pancras International in London have been told that all Eurostar services have been cancelled for today, the BBC reports.
An announcement in both English and French has informed those waiting at the station that they will not be able to travel today, and should rebook.
The AFP news agency also reports that all services have been suspended between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.
Several trains already cancelled following power supply issue
12:32 , Albert TothSeveral Eurostar services between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord have already been cancelled due to the disruption.
From the UK to France, the 14.31, 15:31 and 20:01 trains have been cancelled.
In the opposite direction, the 15.12, 17.12, 20.12 and 21.12 have also been cancelled.
Some services are still listed as running, but Eurostar has urged passengers not to travel today and given no indication as to when the disruption might end.
This means that further last-minute cancellations are possible.
Folkestone to Calais route also affected as National Rail issue statement
12:26 , Albert TothLeShuttle, the service that transports road vehicles through the Channel Tunnel, is also warning of severe delays on its website. Its route travels from Folkestone to Calais.
On the UK side, LeShuttle is warning of a delay of around three-and-a-half hours. On the French side, it says there is a delay of around two hours.
National Rail has also issued a warning, advising passengers to postpone their journeys. Its statement reads: “There is a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel.
“Trains are likely to be subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations.
“Check before you travel as your journey could be disrupted. We strongly advise all passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.”
Breaking: Eurostar passengers told not to travel after 'major disruption'
12:23 , Joe MiddletonEurostar has told passengers not to travel due to a “major disruption” in the Channel Tunnel, and to expect severe delays on trains booked for departure soon.
A statement issued by the train service on Tuesday morning advises that a problem with the overhead power supply in the tunnel is causing the disruption.
Passengers are advised not to go to their connecting station unless they already have a ticket to travel. Trains scheduled for departure are also likely to be delayed or cancelled.
The statement reads: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train, we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.
“Please don't come to the station unless you already have a ticket to travel. We regret that trains that can run are subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations.”
