LONDON — Eurostar delays entered a second day Wednesday as cross-Channel trains tried to recover from a Channel Tunnel power fault that triggered cancellations and long waits during the New Year holiday rush, Dec. 31, 2025.
The disruption followed widespread cancellations Tuesday after an incident linked to the tunnel’s power supply forced traffic to stop for several hours. Eurostar said Wednesday it aimed to operate a full schedule, but warned that knock-on impacts and additional overnight infrastructure issues could still bring delays or last-minute cancellations.
Eurostar delays continue after Channel Tunnel power fault
Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel infrastructure and the LeShuttle vehicle service, said the fault was technical and that there was no indication of foul play, according to a Reuters report. The tunnel reopened only partially Tuesday, leaving trains to share a single line in alternating directions and stretching journey times.
Stations in London and Paris remained crowded as operators worked to clear the backlog. The Associated Press reported that Eurostar also cited a failed LeShuttle train in the tunnel, compounding the stoppage and forcing some passenger services to turn back before reaching the continent.
Passengers stranded overnight as disruption lingers
Some travelers spent the night stuck on trains waiting to move. Passenger Francis Collings told Sky News that his St Pancras-to-Paris service “ground to a halt” near Folkestone around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday and that updates were scarce, creating “an information vacuum.” He said staff handed out water and chocolate, but toilets stopped flushing after power was switched off.
What to know about Eurostar delays: rebooking, refunds and alternatives
Eurostar urged passengers to check live status before heading to stations and to rebook to a different day where possible. In its latest bulletin, the company said services had resumed after the tunnel power issue but warned that lingering disruption could mean delays and possible last-minute cancellations; updates are posted on its travel updates page.
Rebook or refund: If your train is canceled, look for free exchanges or refund options offered by your ticket seller.
Keep receipts: If you’re forced to stay overnight, document reasonable costs for meals, local transport and lodging.
Plan a backup: Some travelers switched to flights or ferries, but holiday capacity can be limited.
Past disruptions show how quickly the tunnel can snarl
The Channel Tunnel is the only fixed rail link across the English Channel, so even localized faults can ripple quickly. In December 2009, cold-weather breakdowns left more than 2,000 Eurostar passengers stranded for hours, as detailed by The Guardian.
In late December 2023, flooding in rail tunnels near London forced mass Eurostar cancellations around New Year’s, with trains resuming once the water was cleared, Reuters reported.
Operators said they were adding services to clear the backlog, but travelers with time-sensitive plans are advised to allow extra time and watch for updated departure information as Eurostar delays ease.
