Work continued overnight to repair a power issue in the Channel Tunnel, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers on Eurostar and LeShuttle services, which transport vehicles and passengers between Folkestone, England, and Calais, France. The disruption began Tuesday when a problem with the overhead power supply and a broken-down LeShuttle train blocked all routes through the tunnel.

Getlink, the company that operates the Channel Tunnel, said it hoped to restore normal service overnight. Earlier on Tuesday, Eurostar suspended services until further notice, impacting travel between the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. At least a dozen Eurostar services were canceled by midday Tuesday.

Eurostar apologized for the disruption and offered passengers the option to rebook their travel without charge, cancel their booking for a refund, or receive an e-voucher. Passengers like George Wright, Jacob Phillips, Nicky Schiller, Kelly North, and Bethany Massey-Chase told the BBC they had to re-book their Eurostar service to Paris.

The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is a vital transport link connecting the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Opened in 1994, it has become a crucial artery for both passenger and freight traffic, facilitating trade and tourism between the UK and its European neighbors. The tunnel represents a significant feat of engineering, running beneath the English Channel and symbolizing European integration. Disruptions to its operation can have widespread economic and logistical consequences, impacting businesses and individuals on both sides of the Channel.

The incident occurred during a peak travel period as people were attempting to return home or travel for New Year's celebrations, exacerbating the impact of the disruption. The power outage highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for significant disruption to international travel. As of late Tuesday, the Channel Tunnel had partially reopened, allowing some Eurostar and LeShuttle services to resume with delays. Engineers are working to fully restore power and clear the backlog of passengers and vehicles.