High-speed operator Eurostar says it expects to run ‘a near-normal timetable’ on its London–Brussels–Paris/Amsterdam routes during Belgium’s 25–30 January rail strike, but cautions passengers that domestic Belgian trains may not be running for onward connections. The statement, updated at 10:24 CET on 26 January, appears on Eurostar’s live travel-updates page. (eurostar.com)
Passengers holding ‘Any Belgian Station’ add-on tickets must check whether connecting SNCB services are operating and, if necessary, buy local tickets once in Belgium. Eurostar advises allowing extra time in Brussels-Midi before transfers and monitoring the company’s app for real-time changes.
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![Eurostar pledges ‘near-normal’ timetable during Belgian rail strike but warns of connection risks]()
For corporate travel managers the message is clear: book itineraries with generous buffers, warn executives that service alterations may occur with minimal notice, and pre-arrange taxi or car-service vouchers when meetings lie outside walking distance of Brussels-Midi.
Eurostar’s ability to maintain operations despite national strikes reflects its cross-border staffing model and priority access to Belgian rail paths. Nevertheless, the operator notes that engineering works and speed restrictions elsewhere on the network could still cause delays.
Passengers entitled to EU261 compensation for delays must submit claims within 90 days; Eurostar will issue disruption certificates automatically for trains delayed more than 60 minutes.
Passengers holding ‘Any Belgian Station’ add-on tickets must check whether connecting SNCB services are operating and, if necessary, buy local tickets once in Belgium. Eurostar advises allowing extra time in Brussels-Midi before transfers and monitoring the company’s app for real-time changes.
If you suddenly discover you need a visa amendment—perhaps an extra Schengen stopover or an urgent passport renewal—VisaHQ can handle the paperwork, secure embassy appointments, and provide real-time status alerts, saving you from last-minute headaches; more information is available at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
For corporate travel managers the message is clear: book itineraries with generous buffers, warn executives that service alterations may occur with minimal notice, and pre-arrange taxi or car-service vouchers when meetings lie outside walking distance of Brussels-Midi.
Eurostar’s ability to maintain operations despite national strikes reflects its cross-border staffing model and priority access to Belgian rail paths. Nevertheless, the operator notes that engineering works and speed restrictions elsewhere on the network could still cause delays.
Passengers entitled to EU261 compensation for delays must submit claims within 90 days; Eurostar will issue disruption certificates automatically for trains delayed more than 60 minutes.
