Eurostar Services Resume After Channel Tunnel Power Fault Causes Major New Year Travel Chaos

Eurostar trains resumed service on Tuesday after a major power fault shut the Channel Tunnel and disrupted travel between London and mainland Europe. The disruption hit thousands of passengers during one of the busiest periods of the season. The overhead power issue stopped trains overnight. A LeShuttle train then failed inside the tunnel and made delays worse.The Channel Tunnel is a key route for holiday travel. The shutdown left long lines of cars and passengers at Folkestone and Calais. According to Reuters and AP, repair teams worked through the morning to restore power and reopen the line.

Eurostar Channel Tunnel Disruption Triggers Heavy Delays

The fault halted Eurostar services to and from London for several hours. The company warned travelers not to come to stations without confirmed tickets. It also advised people to change their travel dates due to the severe delays. According to AP, the disruption began late Monday after an overhead power line problem and a stalled LeShuttle service.LeShuttle carries cars and trucks between Calais and Folkestone. Its failure added pressure to the already stressed tunnel system. Long queues formed at Folkestone as drivers waited for updates. The Guardian reported that operators warned customers of “severe delays.” This period normally sees heavy holiday traffic.Getlink, which operates the tunnel infrastructure, said repairs were underway early Tuesday. The company expected a gradual reopening by mid-afternoon. Eurostar services restarted shortly afterward but with altered timetables and reduced capacity.The shutdown affected routes between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. These lines form one of Europe’s busiest high‑speed rail corridors. Thousands of passengers were left searching for alternative transport. Many tried to rebook or switch to ferries.

Travel Impact and Recovery Efforts Explained

The disruption forced many people to change plans. Some travelers waited overnight at stations. Others were moved to later trains or sent home. UK’s Port of Dover said it was operating a flexible system for stranded passengers. Ferry companies had extra room and took more travelers, according to Reuters.Transport experts say power faults in the tunnel are rare but serious. The system runs on strict safety rules. Any train failure inside the tunnel can stop traffic in both directions. This creates a ripple effect during peak travel days. The New Year period added pressure as demand was high.Eurostar said normal schedules will return once checks are complete. Operators will also review the incident to avoid similar failures. The company expects some delays to remain during the day as services reset.Passengers are encouraged to check updates before heading to stations. Many ticket holders will be able to change bookings at no extra cost. The situation is improving but remains fragile while repairs continue.

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Eurostar is working to stabilize the service after the Channel Tunnel power fault. The company says trains will run, but delays may continue. Travelers should watch for new Eurostar updates today.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the Eurostar Channel Tunnel disruption?

A power fault in the overhead supply caused the initial problem. A failed LeShuttle train then made delays worse. Both issues stopped traffic through the tunnel.

Q2: Are Eurostar trains running now?

Yes, trains have resumed. Some delays and schedule changes may still occur while the system recovers.

Q3: How long were services suspended?

Services were halted for several hours overnight and into Tuesday morning. Repairs allowed a gradual reopening by early afternoon.

Q4: What options did stranded passengers have?

Many switched travel dates or waited for later trains. Some used ferries from Dover, which had extra space for displaced travelers.

Q5: Will more delays happen this week?

Eurostar expects some continuing delays as schedules stabilize. Operators say conditions should improve through the day.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP, The Guardian