Passengers line up at a station after the Eurostar train service experienced delays.

London, May 31 (RHC)-- The Eurostar train service connecting London and Paris experienced significant delays due to software issues with UK border controls in Paris.  The train operator is facing setbacks, as a large influx of passengers is anticipated to utilize Eurostar services once the Paris Olympics commence in July.

“Due to an IT problem with UK border forces in Paris Gare du Nord today, our trains are likely to be subject to severe delays or last minute cancellations,” said Eurostar on its website.  It said services in both directions between Paris and London were affected.

Earlier in the day at Paris Gare du Nord, hundreds, including families with young children on their half-term break, were patiently standing in long lines.

Eurostar is under the ownership of three shareholders.  The French state-owned rail firm SNCF holds a majority stake of 55%, Patina Rail LLP, a consortium consisting of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and funds managed by the infrastructure team of Federated Hermes, owns 40%, and Belgium's SNCB has a 5% stake in the company.