The vital artery connecting Britain to Europe began a slow, painful recovery Tuesday evening after a power failure severed the link, leaving thousands of holiday travelers stranded in a logistical nightmare.

Occurring just 24 hours before New Year’s Eve, the blackout on the cross-Channel network didn't just delay trains; it upended holiday plans for families and business travelers alike, creating a ripple effect across major hubs like London, Paris, and Brussels.

A Holiday Nightmare

The disruption began early Tuesday when a power supply issue struck the Channel Tunnel. The situation was compounded when a LeShuttle train ground to a halt inside the tunnel itself, effectively blocking the line.

For Kenyans traveling through Europe or connecting via London Heathrow to the continent, the timing could not have been worse. Terminals became scenes of frustration as travelers scrambled to find alternative flights or last-minute accommodation in cities already booked to capacity for the festive season.

The suspension forced a total halt of services across the network, affecting key routes:

• London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
• London to Brussels Midi
• Connections to Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Partial Resumption

Relief arrived late in the afternoon, with services resuming around 19:00 EAT (16:00 GMT). However, officials warned that the reopening is partial, with only one of the two rail tunnels currently operational.

While the trains are moving again, the backlog is significant. Eurostar management has urged passengers originally booked for Tuesday to rebook for a different date rather than attempting to travel immediately, acknowledging that the knock-on delays will persist into the New Year celebrations.