Eurostar services have been thrown into chaos due to a supply fault in the Channel Tunnel.
The “major disruption” has left people waiting in trains for hours and ruined the travel plans of hundreds of people ahead of New Year’s Eve.
In an update shortly before 3pm, Eurostar said it will resume some services to Europe on Tuesday, but added the earlier power supply issue remains and “strongly” advised passengers to postpone their journey.
LeShuttle services carrying people and their vehicles between Folkestone and Calais through the Channel Tunnel have also been badly affected, with delays of more than three hours reported.
Follow the latest updates below...
Coverage ends
19:22 , Megan HoweDelayed passengers are finally boarding services to their chosen European destinations after hours of disruption caused by a power supply outage.
However, Eurostar has warned that further delays are likely, and some travellers have said the disruption has ruined their New Year’s plans.
Our live coverage is ending for the day, but join us again tomorrow for the latest updates.
What is the latest?
18:43 , Megan HoweOnly one line in the Channel Tunnel is currently available for trains to run on due to ongoing overhead power supply issues.
This means that there will be continued delays and longer journey times.
Eurostar said earlier today that all of its London to Europe services for the day were cancelled, but it later said trains would resume after the tunnel was partially reopened.
However customers have been urged to rebook travel for a different date and not to come to London St Pancras station if their train's cancellation was confirmed.
A problem with the overhead power supply and a failed LeShuttle train blocked all routes earlier on Tuesday, causing travel chaos for thousands trying to get away to celebrate the new year.
In a statement, Eurostar said: "As the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened we will start to resume services.
"The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date.
"Please don't come to the station if your train is confirmed as cancelled.
"We regret that trains that can run will be subject to severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations.
"Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the train status and timetables page."
Trains boarding at St Pancras after today's power outage
17:46 , Megan HoweTrains appear to be boarding at London’s St Pancras station after the power outage earlier today.
The 17:31 service to Paris has fully boarded, while the 18:01 service is currently welcoming passengers aboard.
Later trains are also due to start boarding over the next hour or so.
Australian family's European tour trip 'up in the air' after cancellations
17:09 , Megan HoweA trip across Europe for a family from New Zealand has turned into an "absolute nightmare" after their Eurostar train to Paris was cancelled.
Talea Uluakiola was visiting his daughter for Christmas in Manchester and was booked on the 9.30am train on Tuesday morning to spend New Year's Eve in Paris before travelling onwards to Brussels, Amsterdam and Germany.
He said: "We showed up, they held us - there was cancellations there, but they didn't tell us it was cancelled for about sort of two hours and they really didn't help us a lot.
"There was no help from the from the staff - they just basically shuffled us out and said 'you need to click on your app', but there's no seats anywhere, claim for reimbursements, and sort of said, 'right, you can get out now'."
He added: "We're pretty much stuck, there are no flights, there are no trains, and we have ongoing transportation from Paris, from the second of January, which carries right through on a European tour which is completely sort of up in the air and the costs if we want to book flights for us, being New Zealanders, is about 5-6000 New Zealand dollars.
"So, yeah, absolute nightmare."
He said their hotel in Paris had already told them they were not eligible for a refund and added: "We're tired, pretty despondent, we don't know what to do or where to go and there's no help from the staff really."
Passengers must be 'properly compensated', shadow transport secretary says
17:04 , Megan HoweRail authorities must make sure passengers are "properly compensated" after Tuesday's Channel Tunnel power failure, the shadow transport secretary has said.
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."
LeShuttle also restarts service
15:46 , Nuray BulbulThe LeShuttle service, which carries vehicles through the Channel Tunnel, has started running again, though Eurostar says it is doing so “very gradually”. Services are operating in both directions on a single track, with “significant delays”.
Eurostar added, “Additional shuttles will be added in the evening and until tomorrow morning.”
Boarding announced for 15:04 Brussels service
15:31 , Nuray BulbulEurostar services appear to be gradually resuming.
The company has just announced the 15:04 service to Brussels is now boarding.
Passengers are advised to proceed to the platform and have their tickets ready.
Eurostar to restart some services, passengers advised to delay travel
15:14 , Nuray BulbulEurostar has issued a new update following the partial reopening of the Channel Tunnel:
“As the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened we will start to resume services.
The overhead power supply issue remains, and we strongly advise all our passengers to postpone their journey to a different date. Please don't come to the station if your train is confirmed as cancelled.
We regret that trains that can run will be subject to severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations.
Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the Train status and timetables page.”
What to do if your Eurostar train has been cancelled?
15:02 , Nuray BulbulIf your Eurostar train has been impacted today, you have a few options:
- Rebook for another day: Eurostar allows you to reschedule your journey for a later date without extra charges.
- Get a refund: You can claim a full refund for your cancelled ticket.
- Check LNER connections: If you were travelling via LNER, you’re eligible to use your ticket to return home from London King’s Cross at no extra cost.
Check the Eurostar website or speak to staff for the latest updates before heading to the station.
LeShuttle services 'expected to resume gradually'
14:45 , Megan HoweLeShuttle services through the Channel Tunnel are "expected to resume gradually" after an earlier power supply incident, the operator of the tunnel said.
Getlink, which manages and operates the tunnel, said in a statement: "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 1500 CET 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."
Travellers' New Year's Eve plans up in the air
14:33 , Michael HowieEdie Nixon, 17, and Caitlin Tandy, 18, had planned to spend New Year’s Eve in Paris, with transport booked from December 30 to January 2.
But they arrived at St Pancras to find out their train was cancelled.
The next train with free seats was on January 1.
“Even on the app now it says it's not canceled, it's still running, but people here have just said everything's canceled,” Edie said.
“We don't actually know what we're doing now for New Year’s.”
'My New Year's Eve party in Paris is ruined'
14:11 , Michael HowieOne traveller, Ronan, 28, told The Standard that he’d planned to spend New Year’s Eve “partying” with his friends in Paris, but had to reschedule his train to January 1.
“Every year, something seems to happen around this time of year,” he said.
In 2023, his journey was also disrupted when the Eurostar cancelled trains due to flooding. “This is the second year this has happened in the last three years.”
Channel Tunnel operator confirms train services will slowly restart this afternoon
13:46 , Nuray BulbulTrain operations through the Channel Tunnel are expected to restart gradually this afternoon, according to the tunnel operator’s latest statement.
The company explained that a technical team is currently addressing the problem.
While all services remain suspended in both directions for now, normal traffic is anticipated to resume gradually around 2pm (GMT).
The operator said its teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and that waiting times will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Earlier, Eurostar confirmed that all trains were halted “until further notice” and advised passengers to avoid travelling. Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles and passengers, has also reported significant delays.
St Pancras crowded with Eurostar passengers
13:34 , Nuray BulbulSt Pancras International is exceptionally busy today as travellers wait for updates on cancelled Eurostar services.
The atmosphere appears to be a mix of frustration and fatigue, with many travellers having arrived after long flights or journeys and now facing uncertainty about when — or if — they will be able to continue to Paris.
Eurostar cancellations cause congestion in the Folkestone area
13:19 , Nuray BulbulThe Channel Tunnel handles both Eurostar passenger trains and LeShuttle freight and vehicle-carrying services between the UK and France.
The disruption has also impacted LeShuttle, with services between Folkestone and Calais currently suspended.
Reports indicate severe traffic congestion in the Folkestone area as travellers are unable to board the trains.
LNER offers free return travel for passengers affected by cancellations
13:06 , Nuray BulbulPassengers on LNER whose journeys have been cancelled can travel back from London King’s Cross without paying extra.
According to the company, “any customers forced to cut their trip short at London King’s Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no extra charge.”
Additionally, LNER travellers who decide to postpone their Eurostar journey to another day can use their current LNER ticket to make the return trip on the same day, the statement notes.
Passengers left waiting at St Pancras as all Eurostar trains cancelled
12:57 , Nuray BulbulPassengers have been left waiting at St Pancras International Station after all Eurostar services were cancelled today.
Crowds gathered trying to get information or rebook their journeys.
Frustration and uncertainty are evident as travellers navigate the disruption, with some having arrived after long international flights and now facing extended delays.
All Eurostar trains cancelled today
12:48 , Nuray BulbulPassengers have been informed that all Eurostar trains are cancelled today, with staff advising them to rebook for a later date.
“We don’t know what we’re going to do”: Eurostar passengers left waiting
12:45 , Nuray Bulbul
Isabela Morotti, 17, and Luan Castro, 23, from Brazil say their plans to travel to Paris were thrown into uncertainty after their Eurostar train was cancelled shortly after they arrived in London.
The pair had just completed an 11-hour flight and were planning to spend the week in Paris, including New Year’s Eve. “We already had a hotel booked in Paris,” Morotti said, “Now we don’t know if we can go.” Castro added.
They were offered a refund or a rescheduled ticket for the next day, but said no accommodation or food was provided. “Probably not,” Morotti said when asked if a hotel would be covered. “Not even a place to sit.”
The group, made up of nine people — many of them under 18 and travelling as part of an exchange programme — said they only learned their train might be cancelled once they were already at the station. “We were really disappointed,” Morotti said.
Despite the frustration, they said they understood staff were under pressure, but felt communication could have been better. For now, they plan to stay overnight and try again the following day. “It’s terrible,” Castro said. “It’s our first time here in London — our first big trip.”
Eurostar passengers face extended waits amid disruption
12:28 , Nuray BulbulPassengers waiting to board Eurostar services report extended waits due to delays and cancellations.
Many remain in stations awaiting further updates on whether their journeys will go ahead.
One user took to social media: “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!.”
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
Another user said: “Still stalled for 3 hours going to Belgium. Waiting for a train stuck in the only operating tunnel to be moved. Other trains are currently in the same situation behind us. Left London at 07. @Eurostar”
Still stalled for 3 hours going to Belgium. Waiting for a train stuck in the only operating tunnel to be moved. Other trains are currently in the same situation behind us. Left London at 07. @Eurostar pic.twitter.com/KBtpnI5ZlY
— Jay (@ojayslawyer) December 30, 2025
Le Shuttle is warning customers to prepare for long delays
12:13 , Nuray Bulbul
Significant disruption is affecting vehicle shuttle services at both Channel Tunnel terminals.
Le Shuttle, which carries cars and other road vehicles between the UK and France, is experiencing long waiting times.
Drivers departing from the UK should expect queues of roughly three and a half hours beyond their scheduled crossing.
In France, delays are currently estimated at about two hours.
Despite the disruption, passengers using either terminal are advised to arrive and check in at their originally allocated time.
Which trains are delayed?
12:05 , Nuray BulbulLondon to Paris
06:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 7:31 / 10:39 – Paris Gare du Nord
07:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 10:19 / 14:19 – Paris Gare du Nord
08:01 – London St Pancras Int’l - 11:19 / 13:39 – Paris Gare du Nord
Paris to London
07:12 / 07:22 – Paris Gare du Nord - 08:32 / 09:42 – London St Pancras Int’l
07:42 – Paris Gare du Nord - 09:00 / 09:45 – London St Pancras Int’l
08:42 – Paris Gare du Nord → 10:00 / 12:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
09:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 10:30 / 12:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
10:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 11:30 / 13:30 – London St Pancras Int’l
11:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 12:30 / 14:30 – London St Pancras Int’l
12:12 – Paris Gare du Nord - 13:30 / 16:00 – London St Pancras Int’l
Eurostar urges passengers to reschedule
11:56 , Nuray BulbulTravellers are being urged by Eurostar to reschedule their trips due to a fault in the overhead power system in the Channel Tunnel.
In a statement written online, the company said:
“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.”
Which trains are cancelled?
11:49 , Nuray BulbulLondon to Paris
07:31 - 10:49 (Train number ES 9006) — Cancelled
14:31 - 17:49 (Train number ES 9032) — Cancelled
15:31 - 18:49 (Train number ES 9036) — Cancelled
20:01 - 23:19 (Train number ES 9054) — Cancelled
Paris to London
15:12 - 16:30 (Train number ES 9039) — Cancelled
17:12 - 18:30 (Train number ES 9047) — Cancelled
20:12 - 21:30 (Train number ES 9059) — Cancelled
21:12 - 22:30 (Train number ES 9063) — Cancelled
