Eurostar travelers bound for Europe faced disruptions due to a fire incident. Services connecting the UK and the Netherlands were significantly impacted by a fire near Rotterdam Central station. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office issued a travel advisory following the blaze that occurred last week.
Multiple London–Amsterdam services were canceled last Monday after a fire erupted in a cable duct close to Rotterdam Stadion, leading to a major power outage and the suspension of rail traffic south of Rotterdam.
Some passengers shared their experiences online, expressing frustration with the situation. One individual mentioned having to resort to taking the ferry, while another mentioned having to opt for a coach to Brussels and hoping for a refund.
The disruption resulted in the malfunctioning of signaling and switch systems between Rotterdam Centraal and various destinations, including Dordrecht and Breda.
Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands are expected to face continued disruptions following the incident near Rotterdam Central station, as announced by the FCDO. The disruptions are anticipated to persist until at least July 6, 2026, with longer travel times due to alternative routes necessitated by fire damage. Trains between London and Amsterdam will bypass Rotterdam during this period.
Passengers planning to travel between the UK and the Netherlands are advised to stay updated with their travel operator for the latest information. Eurostar’s website also provides updates on the situation.
The rail firm issued a statement acknowledging the fire damage near Rotterdam, indicating that disruptions are expected until at least July 6, 2026. Trains running between London and Amsterdam will not stop at Rotterdam, and those between France/Belgium and Amsterdam will skip Schiphol or Rotterdam, leading to longer journey times and limited seat availability.
In another update, the FCDO issued fresh travel advice for British travelers heading to Greece, warning of potential terrorist activities in the region. While there is no current travel restriction to Greece for British tourists, the FCDO highlighted the risk of indiscriminate attacks in places frequented by foreigners.
The FCDO cited past incidents involving explosives and firearms targeting various establishments in Greece. A recent attack on July 1 resulted in casualties, emphasizing the need for vigilance while in the country.