Eurostar Services Disrupted Ahead of Olympic Events in Paris
- Recent arson attacks have caused significant disruptions to Eurostar services between London and Paris, with one in four trains canceled.
- Despite Eurostar interruptions, Le Shuttle continues to operate as normal, offering an alternative route for travelers.
- Understanding your rights regarding cancellations and travel disruptions is essential for those planning to attend the Paris Olympics.
Eurostar has announced significant disruptions to its services due to coordinated acts of vandalism affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille. Travelers are being urged to avoid travel, as many journeys have been canceled or will experience delays of up to an hour and a half. This situation poses a risk for those planning to attend the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris on Friday and other weekend events. In a statement to Sky News, Eurostar expressed its concern for families and holidaymakers impacted by these incidents, while assuring that transport plans for the weekend's events remain unaffected. However, the situation raises questions about potential refunds for Olympic tickets, as the official website notes that if the disruption qualifies as "force majeure," liability for Paris 2024 may not apply. Eurostar confirmed that all high-speed trains are currently being diverted via the classic line, but all departures are on time, and check-in processes are running smoothly. The company has also announced that SNCF will refund all canceled trains and allow passengers to rebook their journeys without charge. Travelers are advised to check the cancellation policies of their accommodation providers, as these vary. Eurostar's flexible booking policy allows for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, while cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will incur a charge for the first night only.