A major power failure inside the Channel Tunnel has thrown end-of-year holiday travel into complete disarray, forcing the high-speed rail service Eurostar to suspend all its trains connecting London with key European cities. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, led to widespread cancellations and left thousands of passengers stranded at major stations during one of the busiest travel periods.
What Caused the Travel Chaos?
The crisis began with a significant power supply problem within the Channel Tunnel, the critical undersea link between the UK and France. Compounding the issue, a vehicle-carrying Le Shuttle train came to a halt inside the tunnel, blocking the path. A spokesperson for Eurostar confirmed the twin problems, stating the situation led to the immediate suspension of all journeys to and from London until further notice.
The disruption was not limited to routes using the tunnel. In a ripple effect, Eurostar's website showed cancellations on several continental routes, including direct services between Paris and Brussels, indicating a broader operational breakdown.
Passengers Left in Limbo at Major Hubs
The suspension triggered scenes of frustration and uncertainty at Europe's busiest rail terminals. Large crowds of travellers, many with luggage and family in tow, gathered at London's St Pancras International and Paris's Gare du Nord stations. With year-end holiday plans suddenly in doubt, passengers scrambled for information and alternative travel options, facing severe delays and last-minute cancellations.
Eurostar explicitly advised customers not to come to stations unless they already held a valid ticket for travel, warning of continued major disruption. The operator urged those with flexible plans to postpone their journeys entirely.
Gradual Resumption and Lasting Impact
Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, later announced that train traffic would begin to progressively resume on Tuesday afternoon. However, this offered little immediate solace to passengers who remained uncertain about when—or if—they would be able to reach their destinations during the crucial holiday window.
Eurostar has held the monopoly on passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel since its historic opening in 1994. The separate vehicle transport service, LeShuttle, operates trains between Folkestone in southeast England and Calais in northern France. This incident underscores the vulnerability of this vital transport corridor, especially during peak travel seasons, where a single technical fault can have outsized consequences for international connectivity.
