Eurostar Train Services Partially Resume After Channel Tunnel Power Failure, Stranding Many Travelers

On December 30, 2025, Eurostar announced a gradual resumption of train services through the Channel Tunnel following a double technical incident that led to a suspension of all trains between London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. The issue stemmed from an electricity supply failure and subsequent stoppage of a shuttle in the tunnel, causing extensive disruption during a peak holiday travel period just days before New Year's Eve. Eurostar confirmed that service restarted at 16:00 GMT (17:00 Paris time), but warned passengers of ongoing delays and longer journey times due to persistent power supply problems.

The disruption left hundreds of travelers stranded, notably at London's St. Pancras International station. Passengers, including families with children, expressed frustration over cancelled trains and difficulties purchasing new tickets online. A Parisian parent told Le Figaro, "I don't even have anywhere to sleep tonight," highlighting the distress caused by the ordeal.

Eurostar urged passengers whose trains were canceled not to come to stations and offered options to exchange tickets freely or cancel for refunds or credits. Concurrently, Getlink reported a gradual reopening of its Le Shuttle vehicle transport service through the tunnel, implementing alternating traffic flows around 15:00 French time as repair work continued. Authorities confirmed no trains remained trapped inside the tunnel.

Eurostar had a record 19.5 million travelers in 2024, reflecting growing competition from new operators such as the British Virgin group, which recently gained access to London’s Temple Mills depot to launch rival high-speed services.

The channel tunnel power failure highlights vulnerability in cross-Channel infrastructure critical to holiday travel. Eurostar and Getlink continue repair efforts while advising travelers to postpone journeys if possible.