UK Regulator Approves Virgin Trains' London-Europe Rail Expansion

02:42 AM EDT, 08/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The UK's Office of Rail and Road pre-approved a new framework track access agreement for Virgin Trains to run new daily return services between London and Paris, Amsterdam, or Brussels. The agreement between HS1, d/b/a London St. Pancras Highspeed, and VTE Opco, or Virgin Trains, allows the operation of up to 20 new daily return services from Oct. 1, 2030, to Dec. 31, 2040, between London and continental Europe, the rail regulator said Monday. Virgin Trains and London St Pancras can sign the agreement by Sept. 4. Virgin Trains will also be required to obtain relevant approvals in the European Union, obtain rolling stock, and secure access to other rail networks.