All Eurostar and LeShuttle services have been temporarily suspended due to industrial action in France.
Both have been affected by “unexpected strike action” by French Eurotunnel staff, according to the companies’ websites.
All train services on Eurostar’s website – more than 20 were due to run between London’s St Pancras International and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam for the rest of the day – are now showing as cancelled for the remainder of today (December 21).
A message on Eurostar’s site says: “Due to unexpected strike action by Eurotunnel staff, we’re sorry to let you know that your train has been cancelled.”
Passengers are able to exchange their booking for free to a different date; cancel and claim an e-voucher for travel within 12 months; or cancel and get a refund, according to the site, which also warns trains are “busier than normal” with limited availability due to increased numbers of travellers over the Christmas period.
On the website for LeShuttle, the cross-channel car rail service between Folkestone in Kent and Calais, it says: “Due to industrial action in France, all LeShuttle services have been temporarily suspended.
“We apologise for the delay to your journey. Further updates will be provided shortly.”
A spokeswoman for LeShuttle said customers were being advised to make alternative arrangements if they were due to travel today, or to modify their booking.
In a statement, the company said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we’re grateful for your patience.”
The strike is reported to be over an end-of-year bonus.