American Airlines flight were left stranded -- after the trouble-hit company failed to find a pilot to fly the plane.

And dozens of passengers who planned to make the return trip back to the US this morning also had their travel plans totally disrupted.

Last night's flight, due to arrive in Bermuda at 10 p.m., failed to get off the ground because of "a lack of air crew'' according to a company spokeswoman.

But the spokeswoman was unable to explain the reason for the staff shortage at JFK and company representatives at AA's head office in Texas could not be reached for comment.

The spokeswoman added that the vast majority of passengers who had planned to fly to New York on this morning's 7.25 a.m. service had been found seats on alternative carriers.