Virgin threatens Eurostar’s London-Brussels monopoly with Eurotunnel route approval
The trains could start operating alongside Eurostar's service as of 2030.
British rail operator Virgin Trains has been granted pre-approval to run international train services through the Channel Tunnel, potentially disrupting Eurostar's current monopoly in the market. Eurostar, a French-controlled rail operator, currently provides direct passenger services from England to cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris via the tunnel.
However, Virgin Trains could change this dynamic starting from 2030. Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international at the British Office of Rail and Road, expressed that this approval marks a significant step towards introducing competition and growth to the international rail services market. Virgin Trains will operate alongside Eurostar from 2030 to 2040, with up to 20 return journeys per day.
These trains will depart from London St Pancras International and traverse the undersea rail link that connects the UK with northern France. While the British side has given the green light to the project, Virgin Trains still needs to secure the necessary arrangements with its European partners, including procuring rolling stock, securing access to other rail networks, and obtaining safety approvals from the Office of Rail and Road and relevant EU authorities.
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- Virgin moves closer to launching Eurostar rival in 2030 freemalaysiatoday.com
