Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is set to redefine European rail travel by challenging Eurostar’s monopoly on Channel Tunnel services. Following a favourable ruling by the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Virgin announced that it aims to launch a competing rail service as early as 2029.
The ORR decision clears a critical hurdle, granting Virgin access to the Temple Mills depot in London, a facility essential for maintaining European-style trains. Industry insiders have long emphasised the importance of such a facility, which Eurostar had claimed was at full capacity.
A Virgin spokesman declared, “Finally, a green signal for competition. The outcome ensures passengers will soon benefit from a choice on the cross-Channel route.”
Before trains can roll through the Channel Tunnel, Virgin must secure licensing and safety certifications both in Britain and in the European nations it intends to serve.
The announcement coincided with a financial milestone for Virgin Atlantic, another jewel in Branson’s transport crown, which reported a £20 million profit for 2024 – its first since the pandemic.