Bosses at the global crossing warned of delays of up to two hours, leaving frustrated passengers venting their anger on Twitter.
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In further bad news for travellers, ferry services from Calais are also reported to be affected by the massive numbers of people hoping to getaway.
Last night Kent police said a body had been found on the roof of a Eurotunnel train. “That carries a huge risk because the trains move fast and the risk of being hit are considerable”, a Eurotunnel spokesman previously said.
It is believed the man died in France and his body was then carried through the tunnel before being spotted in Folkestone.
“There are around 5,000 (migrants) in and around Calais trying to get across the Channel and this has come on a very busy day”.
The French government has unveiled proposals to save ferry jobs in Calais and end a stand-off in the port in which 500 ferry workers have blocked services.
Operation Stack has been in place on the M20 for most of July and there has been regular gridlock on the A20 in Dover.
Illegal migrants are travelling to Britain in empty carriages in freight trains, video footage appears to show.
“Motorists are therefore asked to consider if their journeys are absolutely necessary, and if so whether alternative routes can be taken”.
Disruption in Calais caused by migrants gathering at the French terminal has prevented trains being properly loaded, a representative from Eurotunnel said.
The area will be able to hold more than 200 vehicles, taking them off the open road at the French port where they have been targeted by thousands of migrants trying to reach Britain illegally.
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Wednesday, the Channel Tunnel authority requested an extra $10 million in operating capital to offset the increased costs of security triggered by the migrant crisis.
