International high-speed train operator Eurostar carried a record 19.5 million passengers in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared to 2023. The surge, representing an additional 850,000 passengers, was significantly driven by heightened travel demand during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

Routes experiencing the largest growth include the London-Paris line, which saw 280,000 more passengers, and the London-Brussels route, which increased by 250,000 passengers.

The year marked a significant recovery for Eurostar, which previously faced a downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 2 million passengers traveled on Eurostar trains during July, August, and September for the Games, a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, Eurostar transported 7 teams and 2,000 athletes across over 900 trains during the events.

In light of the record-breaking year, Eurostar, led by CEO Gwendoline Cazenave, announced plans to expand its operations.

The company aims to carry 30 million passengers annually by 2030 and intends to invest in up to 50 new trains, expanding its fleet by 30%.

These developments follow the company hitting €2 billion in revenue in 2023.

However, Eurostar faces pressure to reinstate services at two stations in Kent—Ashford International and Ebbsfleet—suspended during the pandemic.

The suspension has reportedly had significant repercussions for the local economy and affected Kent's role as a ‘gateway to Europe.’ The transport research group Enroute and the "Bring Back Euro Trains" campaign have advocated for the restoration of these services.

Further challenges include addressing concerns of overcrowding at St Pancras International, Eurostar's London terminal.

Critics have cited longer security queues as a pressing issue.

Eurostar asserts it has bolstered border capacity at St Pancras in recent years through additional border positions and e-gates, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve passenger flow.