Thousands of travellers are facing severe disruption and chaos after all Eurostar services were abruptly cancelled due to major flooding inside the critical Channel Tunnel.
The sudden inundation, described as unprecedented, has brought cross-channel travel to a grinding halt, leaving passengers stranded at London St Pancras International and stations across Europe.
Unprecedented Flooding Halts Critical Link
The flooding incident occurred on the UK side of the tunnel, near the crucial Folkestone entrance in Kent. Tunnel operator Getlink confirmed that all services through the tunnel were suspended indefinitely while emergency teams work to manage the situation and assess the damage.
This has resulted in the complete cancellation of at least 29 scheduled Eurostar trains, effectively severing the vital rail connection between the UK and the continent on one of the busiest travel days.
Passenger Frustration Mounts at Stations
The scene at London St Pancras was one of growing frustration and uncertainty. Passengers were met with queues and confusion as they arrived to find their services cancelled without immediate alternatives.
Eurostar has advised all passengers with bookings for today not to travel to the station and to await further communication. The company has stated that affected customers will be offered the choice to exchange their ticket or claim a refund.
Industry-Wide Ripple Effects
The disruption has had an immediate knock-on effect across the travel industry. ABTA, the UK's travel association, has issued guidance for its members and holidaymakers, warning of significant delays and advising travellers to stay in close contact with their tour operators.
This major incident highlights the fragility of this key transport artery and its immense importance to UK-EU connectivity, both for business and leisure travel.
What Happens Next?
Engineers are on-site working to resolve the issue, but there is currently no estimated time for when the tunnel might reopen. The scale of the flooding suggests repairs and water removal could be a lengthy process.
Passengers are urged to check the Eurostar website and social media channels for the very latest updates before making any journey to the station.
