16 May 2008

Eurostar warns of Belgian strike disruption

Eurostar may be unable to operate services between the UK and Brussels next Tuesday (May 20) due to the threat of industrial action in Belgium.

A 24-hour strike by Belgian railway workers is planned to commence at 22.00 (CET) on Monday.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIf the planned action does take place, we expect that Brussels Midi station and the rest of the Belgian rail network will be closed,Ã¢â¬~ a Eurostar spokesman said

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis means there would be no rail services operating between Lille and Brussels Midi station. There would also be no high-speed onward rail connections on Thalys or ICE, from Brussels to destinations in France, the Netherlands and Germany.Ã¢â¬~

Eurostar is advising all travellers to and from Belgium on May 20 to change their travel plans and to exchange tickets for alternative dates or obtain refunds.

Only the 19:34 (train 9158) service from London is expected to operate through to Brussels, on the assumption that the Belgian high-speed line would re-open at 22:00 (CET).

The availability of tickets on this train is limited, the company said.

The 19:34 departure (train 9158) from St Pancras International to Brussels on May 19 will terminate at Lille.

Eurostar services between St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International and Paris are expected to operate normally but may make additional stops at Lille.

For travellers between the UK and Lille, some scheduled services will be cancelled while other alternative services are to be provided and passengers are being advised to check in as normal.

Disneyland Resort Paris services are to operate as normal.

by Phil Davies