Eurostar Warns of Ongoing Delays After Services Resume
Eurostar has issued a warning regarding persistent delays following the resumption of services after a significant power outage in the Channel Tunnel. This situation has led to widespread cancellations and disruptions for travelers wanting to reach Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Here’s what you need to know:
Current Status of Eurostar Services
– Resumption of Services: Some Eurostar services have resumed, but passengers should prepare for severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations.
– LeShuttle Update: LeShuttle services, which transport road vehicles and passengers from Folkestone to Calais, have also restarted.
– Cause of Delays: The disruption was caused by a power supply issue and a broken-down LeShuttle train that initially blocked routes, leading to chaos for thousands of travelers.
Impact on Travelers
– Significant Cancellations: By midday Tuesday, over a dozen Eurostar services between the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands had been canceled.
– Passenger Options: Eurostar has apologized for the inconvenience, offering passengers the choice to rearrange travel plans free of charge, cancel bookings, or receive a refund or e-voucher.
Passenger Experiences
Travelers have shared their stories of the challenges they faced:
– Haley Adams and Hannah Hagar: This American duo had to pay $580 (£430) for alternative flights to Paris after their Eurostar service was canceled. They lamented the unexpected extra expenses, including an additional hotel night in London due to the disruption.
– Monserrat Hernandes and Family: A family from Mexico found their dream vacation to Paris jeopardized as their train had to return shortly after departure due to the incident. They are now searching for alternative transportation options.
– Ben Clark’s Family: Stuck on-board LeShuttle, Ben shared how his family of five faced increasing restlessness during a long wait. They ran out of snacks and had no contingency plans.
Travel Advisory
The National Rail has advised travelers not to head to London St Pancras International if their Eurostar train has been canceled. The Department for Transport warns of ongoing disruptions as repairs to faulty overhead cables continue. Only one of the two main tunnels in the Channel Tunnel is operational, causing significant delays.
Conclusion
Though Eurostar services have resumed, ongoing delays remain a critical concern for passengers. Travelers are urged to check their service status and consider postponing their journeys. For those affected, Eurostar’s policies on refunds and rebooking aim to ease some of the stressful consequences of this situation.