What's happened
Eurostar services between the UK and France face severe delays and cancellations due to an overhead power supply problem and a failed Le Shuttle train. Passengers are advised to postpone travel during New Year’s Eve peak holiday period. The disruptions are ongoing as of today, December 30, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The current disruptions highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in cross-channel transportation. The power supply failure and train malfunction expose potential weaknesses in maintenance and contingency planning. As holiday travel peaks, these delays will likely cause significant inconvenience and economic impact. The situation underscores the need for infrastructure resilience investments to prevent future disruptions, especially during high-demand periods. The advisories suggest that Eurostar’s operational capacity is strained, and the ongoing issues could persist into the new year, affecting travel plans and regional connectivity.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that delays are caused by an overhead power supply problem and a failed Le Shuttle train, with Eurostar advising passengers to postpone travel. The New York Times emphasizes the severity of delays and cancellations, citing the power supply issue in the Channel Tunnel. AP News and Sky News confirm the technical faults and ongoing disruptions, while France 24 notes the operator's regret over the severe delays. These sources collectively highlight the technical nature of the problem and the widespread impact during a peak travel period.
How we got here
The disruptions stem from a technical fault with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel, compounded by a failed Le Shuttle train. These issues have caused widespread delays and cancellations, affecting holiday travel during the busy New Year period. Eurostar has issued advisories urging passengers to delay their journeys unless they already hold tickets.
Go deeper
- What specific steps is Eurostar taking to resolve the power supply issue?
- How long are the delays expected to last, and what compensation is offered?
- Could this incident lead to longer-term infrastructure upgrades?
Common question
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Why Are Eurostar Trains Delayed Now During the Holidays?
Many travelers are wondering why Eurostar services between the UK and France are experiencing significant delays right now. The ongoing disruptions are mainly due to technical issues with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel and a failed Le Shuttle train. These problems have led to cancellations and long wait times, especially during the busy holiday season. If you're planning to travel soon, you might be asking whether these delays will continue and what alternatives are available. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this situation.
More on these topics
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Eurostar is an international high-speed railway service connecting London with Amsterdam, Brussels, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Disneyland Paris, Lille, Fréthun, Paris, and Rotterdam.
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The Channel Tunnel, also referred to as the Chunnel, is a 50.45-kilometre railway tunnel that connects Folkestone with Coquelles beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover.