Eurostar monopoly to end as Virgin wins approval for London-Europe services

Virgin Trains has received approval from Britain’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to run new international rail services from London to Europe, ending Eurostar’s decades-long passenger monopoly through the Channel Tunnel. The ORR authorization allows up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam from October 1, 2030, through December 31, 2040. Virgin plans to operate from St Pancras International and use the same overseas stations currently served by Eurostar. Before launching, Virgin must secure access to other rail networks and obtain safety approvals from the ORR and European regulators. Eurostar has been the sole operator since 1994. Services are expected in 2030, subject to final agreements.