Travel expert Simon Calder has warned of “unfolding chaos” after Eurostar cancelled all trains, leaving passengers stranded ahead of the New Year period.
The cancellations affect services from London St Pancras International to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with thousands of passengers unable to reach their destination.
Eurostar has cancelled all trains from St Pancras after an overhead power fault in the Channel Tunnel.
The travel journalist said: "I am doing all I can to find out what has been happening. Up until now, as we’ve discussed, it’s been a relatively smooth Christmas and New Year travel period.
"We knew, of course, about planned rail engineering projects, but this situation is really serious."
He added: "Crucially, at this time of year, there is a lot of time pressure. Everyone is very invested in their journeys, and so Eurostar’s advice that people should not try to travel today rather begs the question: well, when will you actually get me there?
"It’s difficult to see how, given that many trains are already heavily booked for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, everyone will be able to reach their destinations.
"The cancellations are mostly from London to Paris, but a couple also affect services to Brussels and Amsterdam.
Simon Calder said it is 'unfolding chaos'
|GB NEWS
"On top of that, there are problems on the Eurotunnel shuttle operation, which carries trains with cars through the Channel.
"One train reportedly broke down in the tunnel due to an issue with the overhead power supply, though the exact nature of the fault is unclear.
"As you can imagine, I am trying to contact both Eurotunnel, which operates Le Shuttle, and Eurostar to find out more.
"For now, though, it is unfolding chaos, and unfortunately there simply aren’t enough alternative transport options.
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Eurostar trains have been cancelled
| PA"There are dozens of flights between Paris and London every day, but most are already fully booked.
"For anyone desperate to see loved ones across the Channel, or returning from a Christmas break in time for New Year festivities, this is a very difficult situation."
Eurostar said in a statement: "Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.
"Please do not come to the station. We’re very sorry for the impact the situation may have on your travel plans.
Train company LNER confirmed that "any customers who have had to abandon their journey in London King's Cross are able to return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no additional cost".
LNER customers who choose to defer their Eurostar travel to a different day may use their existing LNER ticket to travel on that same day, it adds.