Power outage suspends all Eurostar and Eurotunnel travel

Eurostar has cancelled all its cross-Channel train services until further notice due to an electrical failure in the Channel Tunnel. 

Travellers using the Eurotunnel are also impacted and face delays, with Le Shuttle services affected.

“Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed.”  said Eurostar in an update on its website.

"Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice. Please do not come to the station." 

"We’re very sorry for the impact the situation may have on your travel plans."

“Services are temporarily suspended for up to 3 hours for both terminals due to a power supply issue. We are working hard to resolve this. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.” said Le Shuttle on its website.

It is likewise asking customers travelling today to keep up to date with travel information through official channels. 

The situation is fast-moving and further updates are likely to be released as the day progresses - Eurostar travel updates can be found here and Le Shuttle travel updates can be found here.

As of 14:45 French time today, Eurostar and Le Shuttle are warning of severe delays; however Channel Tunnel operator Getlink is reported to be advising that traffic will "gradually resume" this afternoon.

Today is a popular day for travel on the services, as families look to return home after Christmas celebrations or head off on a New Year's holiday.

The Connexion has spoken to a young family affected by the severe disruption, who (as of 3pm French time) have been waiting since just after 10:00. 

Sophie, 36, from near Brighton, was travelling with her partner and three children, aged eight, six and two. They were booked on the 11.24 Le Shuttle service, heading to Belgium to see family. 

“We received a text message en route to the terminal at around 09:00 informing us there were 2.5 hour delays, but it gave no indication how serious the problem was, nor did it discourage us from making the journey.“

"When we arrived we were stuck in traffic entering the terminal for 45 minutes to an hour. The worst part of that was the enormous queue for the toilets. Staff were escorting people, four at a time, over the truck lanes to the loos. I gave up in the end."

"The whole thing feels really disorganised. Staff don’t seem to know what’s going on. We’re getting more information from news sources online than people on the ground.”

The family had been given drinks vouchers, snacks and a pack of cards to entertain the children. 

When The Connexion spoke to them they were trying to book a ferry instead.

“The annoying thing is that we only plan to be in Belgium for three nights. With this delay we’re now wondering, is it worth it?”