Eurostar Service Disrupted by Power Glitch: Delays and Cancellations Impact New Year’s Eve Travel

Published on December 31, 2025

Eurostar services between London, Paris, and other major European cities are back on track after a major power failure brought cross-Channel travel to a standstill on December 30, 2025. The disruption came at one of the busiest times of the year, leaving thousands of passengers stuck just days before New Year’s celebrations.

The outage affected trains passing through the Channel Tunnel and was made worse by a separate LeShuttle train fault, forcing all UK–Europe services to stop temporarily. Many travellers faced long, uncomfortable waits, with some stuck onboard trains for hours without electricity, heating, or working facilities. While operations have now resumed, the incident highlighted just how challenging holiday travel can become when unexpected technical issues strike.

Eurostar Service Resumes After Disruption

Eurostar confirmed that services were slowly resuming on December 31, 2025, following the power issue in the Channel Tunnel. The Channel Tunnel, which links Folkestone, UK, to Calais, France, serves as a vital transportation route for passengers traveling between the UK and mainland Europe. Eurostar confirmed that train operations would return to normal for the day, but warned of knock-on impacts that might cause further delays and cancellations during peak travel periods.

Flight Connections and Ground Disruptions

In addition to the disruption in the Channel Tunnel, many passengers were left scrambling to find alternative transport options, with flights, taxis, and private transfers all affected by the chaos. London’s St Pancras International station and Paris’ Gare du Nord saw growing crowds as stranded travelers sought new options to reach their destinations. The disruptions, combined with high travel demand due to New Year’s Eve, added to the stress for passengers already facing limited options.

Challenges in the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar Service Recovery

The power failure in the Channel Tunnel caused significant delays as Eurostar trains were unable to continue their journeys until power was restored. Eurostar services were also impacted by LeShuttle, the operator responsible for transporting vehicles through the tunnel, experiencing its own technical issues. With the Channel Tunnel shut down temporarily, passengers were unable to proceed on their scheduled trips.

As a result, travelers who had been on trains for several hours found themselves stuck at various points between the UK and France, unable to proceed with their journeys. Some passengers were forced to spend overnight in the tunnel or in transit stations until alternative arrangements could be made.

Eurostar’s Commitment to Improving Operations Amid Disruptions

This is not the first time Eurostar has faced service disruptions. In previous months, the company had to contend with several challenges, including cable thefts and technical faults. The most recent disruption marks yet another incident in a series of issues that have plagued Eurostar, which faces criticism over its high ticket prices and service reliability.

Despite the setbacks, Eurostar has emphasized its commitment to improving services and minimizing disruptions. The company has been working on updating its infrastructure and operational procedures to ensure greater resilience in the future.

Rising Competition in the High-Speed Rail Market

The disruption also highlights the increasing competition in the high-speed rail sector. Richard Branson’s Virgin Group has long expressed interest in launching a rival Eurostar service, and Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway operator, has announced plans to enter the market by 2029, potentially offering competition on the Paris-London route. The Eurostar monopoly has been in place since the Channel Tunnel opened in 1994, but new players may challenge its dominance in the coming years.

In the face of rising competition and occasional service disruptions, Eurostar must remain focused on improving the customer experience, ensuring that passengers can rely on timely and efficient travel between the UK and mainland Europe.

Travel Tips for Eurostar Passengers

For passengers traveling to or from London and Paris (or other destinations served by Eurostar), it is important to stay informed of any service updates. Eurostar’s website and mobile app provide real-time information about train schedules, delays, and cancellations, and travelers are encouraged to check for updates before their departure.

Travelers should also allow for extra time when traveling during peak periods, especially around New Year’s Eve, and consider alternative routes in the event of a disruption. London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports and Paris Charles de Gaulle offer alternative travel options for those impacted by train cancellations or delays.

For More Information

For the latest updates on Eurostar services, including ticketing, delays, and train schedules, passengers can visit the official Eurostar website. Additionally, travelers can consult government websites like the UK Department for Transport or the French Ministry of Transport for more information on cross-channel travel and related updates.

Eurostar is working to ensure that disruptions such as those caused by the power failure in the Channel Tunnel are minimized in the future. Despite occasional setbacks, the company continues to be a vital part of cross-channel transportation, providing passengers with convenient and reliable service between the UK and France.