Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Julie Delahaye

Eurostar to keep some stations closed until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic

Eurostar has made some big changes to its 2021 timetable as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The high-speed rail service has confirmed that it will not be re-opening its stops at Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International.

Both Eurostar stops were closed earlier this year due to the pandemic, but their closures won't be permanent; Eurostar plans to re-open them in 2022.

The company said that the decision came due to the impact of coronavirus on the travel industry, which has seen its bookings fall by 90% compared to last year.

Other factors such as changing travel restrictions and quarantine rules have also made the environment 'unpredictable'.

A Eurostar at Ebbsfleet International station (Alamy Stock Photo)

Customers who are already booked on trains from the two locations can still travel, but they will need to board the train at St Pancras International in London instead. (You can find out more on the Eurostar website).

A spokesperson for Eurostar said: "Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel industry and on our business and we continue to operate in very challenging conditions. We have experienced an unprecedented fall in demand, with bookings down by 90% compared to last year.

"The environment remains very unpredictable and has been exacerbated by quarantine restrictions which are now across all of our markets.

Ashford International Station (Alamy Stock Photo)

"Given the uncertain outlook, it is crucial that we adapt and take action to reduce our costs so that we protect our business for the future.

"In 2021, therefore, we will reduce our timetable, focusing only on our core routes and destinations where we see the highest demand.

"As a result, we have had to make the very difficult decision not to reopen Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International stations before 2022.

"We have not taken this decision lightly and have given this considerable thought but given the severity of the situation we have to take action."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.