LONDON — Thousands of holiday travelers found their New Year’s Eve plans in jeopardy on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, after a “major disruption” in the Channel Tunnel forced Eurostar to suspend all rail services to and from London for much of the day.
The shutdown, caused by a catastrophic failure in the overhead power supply and the subsequent breakdown of a LeShuttle train, triggered widespread chaos across major European transport hubs just 48 hours before the turn of the year.
The Anatomy of a Shutdown
The crisis began in the early hours of Tuesday when a significant fault was detected in the overhead power lines that provide electricity to the high-speed trains deep beneath the English Channel. The technical failure was compounded shortly thereafter when a LeShuttle train—the service responsible for transporting cars and freight—broke down and became stuck inside the tunnel.
While Eurostar confirmed that no passengers were stranded underground, the dual-layered problem necessitated an immediate and total suspension of traffic. By 10:00 AM GMT, thousands of passengers were left waiting at London’s St. Pancras International, Paris Gare du Nord, and Brussels-Midi as screens flashed “Cancelled” across the departure boards.
A “Gradual” Recovery Amid Persistent Delays
Eurotunnel, the operator of the undersea link, initiated what it described as a “technical intervention” to repair the power lines and remove the failed shuttle. By approximately 3:00 PM CET (2:00 PM GMT), a single line was reopened, allowing services to resume “very gradually.”
However, the relief was short-lived for many. With only one line operational, Eurostar warned that severe delays and last-minute cancellations would persist throughout the evening. Only a handful of services—primarily those scheduled for late evening departures—remained on the timetable, leaving the vast majority of the day’s passengers looking for alternative routes.
Chaos at the Stations: “A Stressful Situation”
Coming during one of the year’s most intense travel windows, the disruption hit travelers hard. At St. Pancras International, staff were forced to instruct anyone without a confirmed ticket to stay away from the station to manage the swelling crowds.
In Paris, emotional scenes played out as travelers scrambled to find last-minute flights or ferry crossings. One traveler described the scene as “unbelievably stressful,” as they tried to navigate a way back to the UK for New Year’s celebrations. The Port of Dover reported a surge in “turn up and go” passengers as travelers abandoned the rail lines in favor of cross-channel ferries.
Compensation and Passenger Rights
In an effort to mitigate the fallout, Eurostar has activated its “disruption policy” for those whose holiday plans were upended:
Ticket Options
Passengers with cancelled tickets can choose one of three paths within the next three months:
- Free Exchange: Rebook for a different date in the same travel class at no extra cost.
- E-Voucher: A credit valid for 12 months for the full value of the ticket.
- Full Refund: A cash refund for the unused portion of the journey.
Expense Coverage
For those left stranded overnight, Eurostar has committed to reimbursing reasonable out-of-pocket expenses:
- Accommodation: Up to $199 (£150/€170) per room, per night.
- Meals: Up to $47 (£35/€40) per person, per day.
- Transport: Taxi costs up to $70 (£53/€60) for travel between the station and accommodation.
Looking Ahead to New Year’s Eve
While Eurotunnel expects to have both lines fully operational by Wednesday morning, the “ripple effect” of Tuesday’s cancellations is expected to be felt throughout December 31. Thousands of displaced passengers are likely to attempt to squeeze onto already-packed New Year’s Eve services, creating a logistical bottleneck.
Travel experts advise all passengers traveling through the tunnel on Wednesday to check the “Live Service” status on the Eurostar website before leaving for the station.
Eurostar & Channel Tunnel Disruption: Frequently Asked Questions
The major service suspension on December 30, 2025, has upended travel for thousands. Below are the essential answers to help you navigate this disruption, understand your rights, and manage your New Year’s Eve travel plans.
1. What caused the total suspension of services today?
A “double failure” within the Channel Tunnel led to the shutdown. An initial major overhead power supply issue occurred, followed by a LeShuttle train (the service transporting vehicles) breaking down and becoming immobilized. To allow for emergency technical repairs, all Eurostar services to and from London were halted.
2. Is the tunnel currently open?
Yes, but capacity is severely limited. As of late Tuesday, the Channel Tunnel has partially reopened. Because only one line is available while power repairs continue, trains are experiencing extreme delays and last-minute cancellations. Eurostar strongly advises passengers to postpone their journeys if possible.
3. My train was cancelled. Can I go to the station to rebook?
No. Eurostar has explicitly warned passengers with cancelled tickets not to come to the station. Terminals at St. Pancras and Gare du Nord are overcrowded, and staff cannot reinstate cancelled trains on-site. All rebookings should be handled online through the Eurostar app or website.
4. What are my options for a cancelled ticket?
If your train was cancelled, you have three choices (available for up to 3 months):
- Free Exchange: Rebook for any future date in the same class at no extra charge.
- E-Voucher: Receive a credit valid for 12 months for the full value of your ticket.
- Full Refund: Request a 100% cash refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
5. Can I get a refund for my hotel or meals?
Yes. Eurostar is obligated to reimburse “reasonable” expenses if you were stranded away from home. You must keep all itemized receipts. The typical reimbursement caps are:
- Accommodation: Up to $199 (£150/€170) per room, per night.
- Meals & Drinks: Up to $47 (£35/€40) per person, per day.
- Transport: Up to $70 (£53/€60) for taxi travel to/from your hotel.
6. Were any passengers stranded in the tunnel?
No. Eurostar confirmed that despite the power outage and the broken shuttle, no passenger trains were stuck in the tunnel. All passengers remained at stations or were diverted safely before entering the undersea section.
7. What should I expect for New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)?
Expect heavy crowds and full trains. While full service is expected to resume gradually, the backlog of thousands of displaced passengers will make Wednesday an extremely busy travel day. Check your “Live Train Status” before heading to the station.