The “last-minute strike” by French labourers that caused trains to stop running during the day on Thursday has ended, according to Eurotunnel, and services will gradually resume.
However, accessible LeShuttle trains were due to reopen later in the evening, while Eurostar announced it would resume passenger services on Friday.
All Eurostar trains to and from London are currently cancelled.
The disruption occurred as people traveled for Christmas in the coming days.
Eurotunnel has announced that it has reached an agreement with the trade union and apologized for the disruption caused to Le Shuttle services, which transport vehicles through the Channel Tunnel.
“Eurotunnel welcomes this agreement and once again apologizes to all LeShuttle customers, as well as Eurostar passengers and rail freight operators whose services have been affected by this strike,” Eurotunnel said in a statement.
Added that no new tickets for travel will be sold on Fridays.
Rather, the focus will be on those who already have tickets.
Eurostar has announced that it will resume its regular schedule from London, Paris and Brussels on Friday.
Two additional trains will run daily until Christmas Day to support passengers who were unable to travel on Thursday.
Refunds have also been provided to 4,444 affected customers.
French Transport Minister Clément Beaune tweeted: “Unblocking the Channel Tunnel.
Services can resume #Eurostar #Getlink “Thank you for the sense of responsibility of everyone involved.
” Around 30 Eurostar trains is operating as scheduled in London and Paris, with Brussels canceled on Thursday, Eurostar announced.
In addition, there will be no trains running from London Euston station on Thursday due to damage to overhead wires between Milton Keynes and Watford Junction.
As a result, Euston station is currently closed to arriving passengers.
Network Rail engineers are currently using drones to assess cable damage.
Bonuses row
Traffic through the Channel Tunnel has been halted following the sudden departure of several Eurotunnel employees, from those who drive the trains to the management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Eurostar, which operates high-speed trains on this route, previously said : “Affected customers will be notified directly about their journey and will be able to exchange their tickets free of charge or request a refund.
” “We are monitoring the situation closely.
” “I am doing so,” he said.
As development progresses, further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
”
Eurotunnel previously announced that it would transport people on ferries during the suspension due to agreements with ferry companies.
The 4,444 unions called a strike at 11: GMT, then called it off in the evening.
Under French trade union law, they could continue to strike as long as they wished.
Staff at have been offered a voluntary bonus of €1,000 (£867), but the union is demanding triple that amount.
It is currently unclear which agreement the union has accepted.
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“No correspondence”
Chris Tirifahi McCabe and his wife were planning to travel to Brussels on the Eurostar to see family.
He is currently stranded in St Pancras and, along with hundreds of others, is trying to make alternative travel arrangements.
“All Eurostar services are suspended until further notice,” he told the BBC.
“About 500 people are held back by security and waiting.
” “This was an unexpected attack and that’s all they’re saying.
There was no real communication.
” “Go.
No one knows whether to go or stay,” he added.
Transport networks are preparing for the busiest time of the year, when many people travel to visit family and friends.
Strong winds from Storm Pier are already disrupting travel in some parts of the UK.
British Airways announced that it had to adjust its flight schedule on Thursday due to air traffic control restrictions introduced in response to the storm.
Train operator TransPennine Express has advised customers not to use its services to or from Edinburgh before 15: 00.