Virgin Trains, backed by Richard Branson, receives approval from the UK rail regulator to run up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030. The services would connect London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, according to reports citing the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
The ORR grants track access to allow the company to operate those routes, which multiple outlets describe as a move that could weaken Eurostar’s long-running position on cross-Channel passenger services. The coverage emphasizes the same regulatory decision and the proposed scale and destinations of the service. Differences mainly appear in framing: one outlet highlights the impact as a challenge to Eurostar’s “monopoly,” while others describe it as a major step toward opening competition on the route.
