General Strike in Belgium - 22nd December 2011

General Strike in Belgium - 22nd December 2011

We have been advised of a general strike in Belgium from 22:00hrs on Wednesday 21st December until 22:00hrs on Thursday 22nd December.

As a result, the Belgian rail network will be closed and Eurostar plus onward connecting rail services will not be able to operate to or from Brussels during this period.

EUROSTAR

On Thursday 22nd December, a number of special trains will operate between London and Lille Europe station only. A limited replacement bus service will be in place between Lille Europe and Brussels Midi stations. However, demand is likely to be extremely high for these buses and Eurostar expect congestion at the stations as a result.

If travellers are booked to travel on Thursday 22nd December (or on the 19:04 departure from London on Wednesday 21st December) Eurostar recommend they exchange their ticket to travel either before or after Thursday 22nd December.

Eurostar will allow exchanges regardless of ticket conditions however these will be subject to space availability on alternative services. If the cost of the new ticket is greater than that of the original ticket, the customer must pay the difference in price.

Those who wish to re-book, or are unable to travel and would like to refund their tickets, should contact their original point of sale. Refunds can be done any time in the next 2 months.

All Eurostar services to/from Brussels are closed for sales on 22nd December.

THALYS

Due to the general strike in Belgium, ALL THALYS services are CANCELLED on 22nd December. Customers with tickets valid to travel on any Thalys service on 22nd December can obtain a full refund or exchange their ticket free of charge. In the case of exchanges, if the cost of the new ticket is greater than that of the original ticket, the customer must pay the difference in price.

All Thalys services are closed for sale on 22nd December, including the 9388, 9487, 9389 and 9397 on 21st December).

We will keep you updated with any further developments as and when received.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or queries.