Virgin Trains has announced plans to introduce the UK's first direct train services to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, following regulatory approval to use Eurostar's maintenance depot in east London. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) granted Virgin Trains access to the Temple Mills depot, which is the only facility accessible from High Speed 1, the line connecting London to the Channel Tunnel.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, described the ORR decision as a 'big hurdle' overcome, though further approvals for track access and safety are still required before services can begin. The company aims to launch routes from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam city centres by 2030, with discussions underway for a potential stop at Charles de Gaulle airport.
Sir Richard also expressed interest in resuming limited services to Disneyland Paris, which Eurostar stopped in June 2023. He stated: 'I'd like to go... we should definitely do a day or two in Disneyland, even if it's not a regular service.' Virgin Trains plans to offer competitive pricing, with Sir Richard noting that competition would reduce fares, ending Eurostar's 30-year monopoly on cross-Channel passenger services.
The company has secured an agreement with manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains, funded by infrastructure investor Equitix. Virgin Group will lead the operating company's funding alongside Equitix and private equity firm Azzurra Capital. Virgin Trains also expressed ambitions to expand into Germany and Switzerland, and to serve Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations if they reopen.
Rail minister Lord Hendy welcomed the decision, stating that depot capacity 'should not be a barrier to greater competition and growth.' Eurostar said it is 'considering our next steps' in response to the regulatory ruling.
