The UK's rail regulator has granted Virgin Group permission to operate Channel Tunnel services, challenging Eurostar's monopoly on trans-European rail travel. After years of debate, the Office of Rail and Road approved access to the high-speed line connecting London with the tunnel, paving the way for increased competition.

Virgin plans to launch six daily services to Paris starting October 2030, growing to ten in April 2031 and thirteen subsequently. Additional routes include four daily services to Brussels (February 2031) and three to Amsterdam (October 2031). The group intends to launch four additional daily services to Paris, aiming to break Eurostar's dominance. Backed by £2bn in new train investments, Virgin targets routes to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Previously, Eurostar—owned by France's SNCF—had objected to the proposal, arguing it would impede its expansion plans. However, the regulator determined Eurostar's capacity increases were modest relative to Virgin's new service network. Martin Jones from Orr described the approval as "an important next step in bringing competition and growth" to the international rail market.