Overview
- Virgin outlined initial cross‑Channel services to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels‑Midi and Amsterdam Centraal, setting out its first target routes.
- The Office of Rail and Road approved Virgin’s use of Eurostar’s Temple Mills depot in East London, a key facility for maintaining Channel Tunnel trains.
- The regulator estimated the decision could unlock about £700 million of private investment and create roughly 400 jobs.
- Virgin is aiming to begin operations around 2030 and must still build and test trains, secure track access and safety approvals, and reach a commercial depot‑sharing deal with Eurostar.
- Eurostar said it is reviewing the decision, while Virgin signalled ambitions under discussion that include Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and occasional Disneyland Paris services.