disrupt mail to the UK and Europe from Bermuda as well as interfere with travel plans for around 200 passengers booked on the now-cancelled Thursday flights to and from London.

The Post Office announced yesterday that the UK Post Office is to send mail via American Airlines to the US and then on to Bermuda.

Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow said: "We anticipate a slight delay in the delivery process for the length of the work stoppage.'' The news came as Virgin Atlantic Airways -- owned by British millionaire businessman Richard Branson -- said it would honour BA tickets at face values.

Virgin flies to London from three US East Coast airports, including twice daily to London from New York and once daily from Boston.

Around 200 BA passengers were affected by the cancellation of Thursday's flight, although BA Bermuda management promised to get them on other airlines if possible or on the Saturday and Tuesday BA flights, which fall outside the strike period.

The strike -- possibly one in a series of three-day stoppages -- was called by more than 8000 stewards and stewardesses represented by UK cabin crew union BASSA over pay and conditions.

And more trouble for BA -- which is on a cost-cutting drive -- is in the offing.

Ground staff are expected to announce the result of a strike vote today over BA's plans to shut its in-house catering division.