Eurostar has suspended two daily trains between Paris and London from Monday 22 June through Thursday 25 June, citing “adverse weather” as a heatwave grips much of Western Europe. The cancellations affect afternoon departures, including the 1:31 pm service on 23–24 June, the 6:08 pm on 24 June, and the 3:31 pm and 8:08 pm on 25 June.
The decision follows red heat alerts issued by both France and the United Kingdom. In London, temperatures are forecast to reach 36°C on Tuesday and Thursday, and 37°C on Wednesday. Paris will be even hotter, with highs of 37°C on Wednesday and 39°C on Thursday. The extreme conditions have already prompted Parisians to flock to the Canal Saint-Martin for relief, while elsewhere in France, two young children died in a car as the heatwave intensified.
Impact on Travel and Passenger Rights
Affected passengers can rebook their tickets for free to travel in the same class on a different date or time. Alternatively, they may request an e-voucher valid for 12 months or a full refund, though refunds take up to 28 days to process and exclude booking or exchange fees. The operator has not indicated whether further cancellations are likely, but the heatwave is expected to persist across the continent, with Spain bracing for its hottest day and France recording its third-hottest day on record.
The cancellations highlight the vulnerability of rail infrastructure to extreme weather. High temperatures can cause overhead lines to sag or buckle, forcing speed restrictions or service suspensions. Eurostar, which operates through the Channel Tunnel, has faced similar disruptions during previous heatwaves, though the current scale—four days of reduced service—is notable.
For travellers, the disruption adds to a summer of uncertainty. The heatwave has already led to a UK hospital declaring a critical incident as emergency services struggle with heat-related illnesses. In Paris, the city has opened cooling centres and extended park hours to help residents cope.
Eurostar advises passengers to check their journey status online before travelling. With no immediate end to the heatwave in sight, further adjustments to timetables remain possible. The company has not commented on whether compensation beyond the standard options will be offered.
