Thursday, June 26, 2025
Eurostar services between London and Paris were severely impacted today, and an official travel warning was issued by Britain’s Foreign Office for citizens planning to travel to Paris. Travelers were asked to cancel or postpone their trips amid record track deaths and wire theft resulting in extensive cancellations and delays across the high-speed rail network.

The disruptions began yesterday after two separate track deaths occurred in northern France, leading to delays and cancellations. However, the situation worsened after thieves stole 600 meters of cables, with 70-meter lengths of nine individual cables removed from a section of the track near Lille Europe. This theft has severely impacted both Eurostar and French TGV services, which rely on the same high-speed rail infrastructure.
The Eurostar train service, which operates between the UK and France, issued an urgent update to passengers, stating, “Due to a cable theft near Lille Europe, our trains are likely to be subject to severe delays and last-minute cancellations. We advise you to cancel or postpone your trip. We’re very sorry for the disruption that this is causing and the impact on your journeys today.”

French Cable Theft Adds to Growing Travel Disruptions

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The cable theft near Lille has compounded the ongoing disruption caused by the track deaths in northern France. The theft of such a significant amount of cable has crippled part of the high-speed rail line, which affects services not only for Eurostar but also French TGV trains. These lines are essential for linking major French cities to London, and the stolen cables have led to widespread disruptions across both services.
The stolen cables were located near Lille Europe, one of the main hubs for Eurostar services to France. The French authorities have launched an investigation into the theft, but it is unclear when the tracks will be fully repaired and when services will return to normal. The damage caused by the theft, coupled with the fatalities on the tracks, has created a perfect storm of issues for travelers today.

Foreign Office Issues Travel Warning

In light of the disruptions, the UK Foreign Office has issued a warning to travelers, urging anyone planning to travel to France to check for updates and carefully plan their journeys. The official statement from the Foreign Office reads: “Eurostar services to and from France will be severely disrupted today (25 June) with some services cancelled. Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting trains.”
The Foreign Office’s warning advises travelers to carefully review their train operator’s advice before traveling to France today. For those relying on connecting trains, additional disruptions could make it difficult for travelers to reach their final destinations on time. The Foreign Office also stressed the importance of checking travel status updates through official channels before leaving for stations.

Eurostar and TGV Service Disruptions

The ongoing issues are affecting both Eurostar and French TGV services. While Eurostar has announced widespread delays and cancellations, French TGV trains are also facing disruptions on lines servicing high-speed routes within France. Many travelers are finding that their tickets are being either canceled or rerouted, and some have been left stranded in stations without clear information on when they can proceed with their journeys.
For travelers planning to take Eurostar from London to Paris, or Eurostar connections from other UK cities such as Manchester and Birmingham, it is crucial to check for the latest updates. Although Eurostar is offering customers the ability to cancel or change their bookings without penalty, the company has warned that availability may be limited due to the ongoing repairs and congestion caused by the disruption.

What Travelers Should Do

If you are traveling on Eurostar or planning to connect with French TGV services today, there are several steps you can take:
Check for Updates: Always check with your Eurostar operator for updates on your specific train. Visit Eurostar’s official website or use their mobile app to get the most accurate information regarding delays and cancellations.
Postpone or Cancel Your Journey: If you are not yet at the station, consider postponing or canceling your trip for the day. Eurostar is offering free cancellations for affected customers, but rebooking options may be limited due to capacity constraints.
Review Travel Alternatives: If your journey is critical, consider alternate travel options such as flights to France or Eurotunnel services, which are not affected by the rail disruptions.
Plan for Delays: If you are already on your way, ensure you have the latest details on your train’s status. Eurostar has advised that travel times may be significantly impacted by both the cable theft and the ongoing investigations into the track fatalities.

Ongoing Investigation and Impact on French Rail Infrastructure

The theft of 600 meters of cable is a significant crime that could have long-term consequences on the French rail network. French authorities are investigating the theft, and while repairs are expected to take several hours or even days, the exact timeline for full restoration is still unclear. The ongoing disruption highlights vulnerabilities in the rail system and the impact that such criminal acts can have on public transportation.
French rail authorities are working alongside Eurostar and TGV operators to repair the damage and restore normal services as soon as possible. However, travelers should be aware that even after repairs are completed, full service recovery may take time.

Conclusion: Travelers Urged to Stay Updated and Plan Ahead

There are still days left of June, and disruption to travel on Eurostar and French TGV will undoubtedly create continued travelling hassles. Eurostar recommends its customers cancel or rearrange bookings, and there is an open warning from the UK’s Foreign Office to imminent travellers. Travellers are reminded to stay current and plan ahead, seeking the latest information on their operator’s webpage and considering alternative routes.

(Sources: Eurostar, UK Foreign Office, French Ministry of Interior)

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Tags: Eurostar cancellations, Eurostar delays France, Eurostar disruption, France travel advisory, French cable theft, French TGV delays, travel disruption France, UK government Eurostar advice

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