Eurostar Christmas getaways hit by strike in Belgium

PA

Heading off on a Christmas market break in Belgium? You might want to double check your travel time.

Eurostar passengers travelling to Brussels tonight or Thursday are being urged to change their ticket - because of a general strike in Brussels.

Belgium will shut its railways for 24 hours starting at 9pm UK time on Wednesday, and trains that were originally heading to Brussels will terminate at Lille in northern France.

Eurostar told Aol Travel: "As a consequence of the general strike, Eurostar will be unable to operate services to and from Brussels from 22:00 CET on 21 December to 22:00 CET on 22 December. In addition, all other domestic and international connecting services to and from Brussels will be unable to operate. Domestic connecting rail services from Brussels are already subject to disruption today and further information and advice is available on Eurostar.com.

"During this period Eurostar services to and from Brussels will terminate and commence at Lille Europe station. A limited replacement coach service will operate between Lille Europe and Brussels Midi stations in both directions in order to accommodate Eurostar travellers affected by the Belgian general strike. However, demand is likely to be extremely high for these coaches and we expect both stations to become busy as a result.

"Eurostar strongly recommends that passengers booked to travel on a Eurostar service either to or from Brussels on the 22nd December (or on the 19:04 departure from London on the 21 Dec) exchange their tickets to travel either before or after the 22 December, wherever possible. Eurostar will allow exchanges free of charge regardless of ticket conditions but subject to availability on alternative services."

Customers wishing to re-book their travel should contact their original point of sale, or Eurostar on 08432 186 186

Customers who are unable to travel and wish to refund their tickets should contact their original point of sale, which can be done anytime in the next two months.

The news comes as London Tube union Aslef announced a four-date 24-hour strike plan, including one on Boxing Day.

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