Last-minute strike action which halted rail services through the Channel Tunnel and sparked travel mayhem has been called off.

The unexpected industrial action in France affected Eurostar – which operates passenger services to and from London St Pancras – and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which runs vehicle-carrying trains to and from Folkestone.

Terminals had been shut and services suspended since around midday, causing travel bedlam.

At least 30 Eurostar trains were cancelled today and services are not due to start up again until tomorrow morning.

However, Le Shuttle services will resume “progressively” this evening after Eurotunnel management brokered a deal with trade union representatives.

The precise terms of this agreement has not been revealed. But a spokesman for Eurotunnel said: “Eurotunnel welcomes this agreement and reiterates its apologies to all LeShuttle customers as well as Eurostar passengers and rail freight operators whose traffic has been impacted by this strike.”

However, while rail links are set to start up again thousands continue to face Christmas getaway disruption – including those stuck on Kent’s road.

A 15-mile section of the M20 remains closed following the suspension of services at the tunnel.

The walk-out by French staff had forced police to shut the coastbound carriageway between Junctions 8 for Leeds Castle and Junction 9 for Ashford. The force has so far not announced its reopening.

Officers said earlier the closure is allowing freight bound for the continent to queue on the empty section of motorway in order to keep “any disruption to Kent’s wider road network to a minimum”.

Operation Brock Zero was also put in place between the same junctions.

All freight traffic wishing to cross the Channel must join Operation Brock – with non-freight traffic being diverted along the A20 to Ashford.

The suspension of LeShuttle services at the terminal near Folkestone has massively affected Christmas holiday plans for scores of travellers.

Some passengers reported being stuck outside the Channel Tunnel after beginning their journeys, while others have had their trains rerouted back to Paris.

One frustrated passenger posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Eurostar you’ve just ruined my Christmas, it should have been my first Christmas with my girlfriend, you have ruined everything!”

Another posted to say Eurotunnel staff were earlier handing out P&O Ferry tickets at the front of the LeShuttle queue and sending everyone to Dover.

In a statement, Eurostar said: "We're very sorry to hear that you're caught up in the disruption today, it's due to unexpected strike action by Eurotunnel staff.

“We would recommend postponing your journey if you can, even if it's until tomorrow.

“Customers affected will receive direct communication about their journey and we recommend that travellers postpone their travel today if possible.

“We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, and any further updates will be communicated as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Port of Dover continued to report a 90-minute wait time for tourists at French border control, but said it was “expected to clear over the coming hours” as Le Shuttle recommences its cross-channel services.

Extra ferries were being drafted to support the situation.

There were slight delays to kick-off for Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Folkestone Invicta in their game against Sittingbourne tonight owing to players getting stuck in traffic.

Earlier, news agency Reuters obtained a statement from Getlink, which owns the Channel Tunnel and operates Eurotunnel Le Shuttle services, which said: “Today’s call for strike action by representatives of Eurotunnel’s French site staff unions has resulted in the complete interruption of service and the closure of our terminals in France and the UK.”

The company reportedly added that trade unions had rejected an offer of a bonus worth 1,000 euros (£867) per employee, demanding a payment worth three times as much.