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Eurostar cuts calls at Kent stations until 2022

Ashford International and Ebbsfleet stations in Kent will not be served by Eurostar until 2022 due to continued uncertainty over Covid-19.

The high speed Channel Tunnel passenger service currently faces UK quarantine restrictions on returning travellers from France, Belgium and Holland.

The company is trimming its timetable for next year as part of cost cuts to concentrate on core routes.

A Eurostar spokesperson said: “Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel industry and on our business and we continue to operate in very challenging conditions. We have experienced an unprecedented fall in demand, with bookings down by 90% compared to last year.

“The environment remains very unpredictable and has been exacerbated by quarantine restrictions which are now across all of our markets.

“Given the uncertain outlook, it is crucial that we adapt and take action to reduce our costs so that we protect our business for the future.

“In 2021, therefore, we will reduce our timetable, focusing only on our core routes and destinations where we see the highest demand.

“As a result, we have had to make the very difficult decision not to reopen Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International stations before 2022.

“We have not taken this decision lightly and have given this considerable thought but given the severity of the situation we have to take action.”

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