Today brings incredibly exciting news we’ve been eagerly waiting for: Virgin has received approval to move forward with our plans to introduce a rival international train service through the Channel Tunnel. The Office of Rail and Road has given us the green light to operate from the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London — a major milestone that puts us firmly on course to bring real competition to the route.
Our goal is to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with ambitions to expand even further across Europe. Ooh la la, indeed!
As soon as I heard the news, I rushed over to St Pancras to celebrate with the team. We had secretly prepared banners and goodie bags to hand out to Eurostar passengers — a fun throwback to the days when we flew our cheeky message-filled blimp over London. A little mischief goes a long way!
Jokes aside, today’s decision is a huge win for travellers. After 30 years of monopoly, it’s time to bring some Virgin flair to the Channel Tunnel. We’ve always believed competition sparks innovation, and that’s exactly what we plan to deliver. Just as we’ve disrupted the skies, seas, and the UK rail network before, we’re ready to do it again.
We’re also thrilled to be teaming up once more with Alstom — the creators of our iconic Virgin Trains Pendolinos — as we prepare to order 12 cutting-edge, energy-efficient Avelia Stream trains. These sleek, modern trains will offer a comfortable and distinctly Virgin travel experience.
It’s still early days, but the foundations are being laid for something truly transformative. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard — and bring a touch of Virgin magic across the Channel.
