Construction delays, cost overruns and demand for services far below forecast, combined with a massive debt burden meant that Eurotunnel, the private company running the project, stumbled from financial crisis to financial crisis over the following decade.

The Eurotunnel, operated by Getlink, has faced a complex history of financial challenges since its inception, primarily rooted in its massive initial construction debt and high operating costs. The project famously ran 80% over budget, leaving the company with a debt mountain that took decades to restructure. In 2026, the tunnel continues to grapple with "yield management" issues caused by the high track access fees it must charge to companies like Eurostar and various freight operators; these high fees often discourage the introduction of new competing rail services, which could otherwise increase volume. Furthermore, the "Brexit" transition has introduced ongoing administrative costs and logistical friction related to border controls, which occasionally impact the efficiency of the "Le Shuttle" service. While the tunnel is a vital piece of European infrastructure and is currently operationally profitable, its long-term financial health remains sensitive to fluctuations in energy prices—which impact the cost of cooling the tunnel—and the persistent competition from low-cost airlines and ferry operators that can offer lower prices to travelers who are not in a hurry.