The impact was particularly felt for US and Asian travellers. Overall, passenger numbers in the first three months of the year were 2.2 million, a 3% reduction on the same period last year with sales revenues 6% lower year on year at £201 million.

The bombings on March 22 in the Belgian capital killed 32 people and injured hundreds more. The attacks took place at the airport in Zaventem and at Maalbeek metro station. Terrorist group Islamic state claimed responsibility for the atrocity.

Eurostar’s poorer first quarter is being balanced out by strong forward bookings for the summer’s big football tournament, the European Championship, which is being held in France.

Over the past few weeks the company has seen a surge in ticket sales, with June 10 proving to be the busiest day.

Chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: “We have seen an unprecedented demand from football supporters keen to get to the Euros by train.”

Meanwhile, Eurostar is currently testing out its trains on the Dutch rail network as it prepares to launch a London-Amsterdam service at the end of next year.