The operator’s trains have not called at Ashford or Ebbsfleet since March 2020 after all services were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company confirmed services carrying passengers between London St Pancras and Europe via the Channel Tunnel would not stop at the two Kent stations during 2023. They added it would not be able to "make any commitment for another two to three years". 

The firm cited "financial factors" and the "post-Brexit border situation" as reasons for the postponement.

A Eurostar spokesperson said the company’s recovery is "progressing well", but have "considerable financial commitments" following the pandemic it will continue to face for a number of years.  

"Our border environment has also toughened post Brexit, and further complexity is expected with the launch of the EU’s Entry Exit System," they added.
 
"Whilst we continue to operate in an uncertain and fragile environment, we must focus on our most profitable inter-capital routes to enable us to meet our financial commitments, stabilise our operation and our customer experience, before considering any further developments.
 
"We understand that this will be disappointing for the local communities, and we will continue to work closely and openly with the local councils on the future of the stations."