American Airlines passengers were up in arms at the Bermuda International Airport yesterday when their plane was grounded in New York, leaving them stranded at the airport for an expected eight hours.

"The plane suffered a series of mechanical difficulties," said Airport general manager James Howes shortly before 3 p.m. yesterday. "As of right now it is still on the ground in New York."

The plane was replaced with a substitute Boeing 767 from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands which was scheduled to travel first to New York to pick up passengers travelling to Bermuda. Mr. Howes said he understood it was to arrive in Bermuda at 5.30 p.m. yesterday.

Passengers in Bermuda, especially those making connecting flights in New York, were upset with the delay. They had already passed through security checkpoints when they were told they might have to wait until 7 p.m. for their flight.

"People are angry, I can tell you that," one observed. Even the $10 food vouchers from AA did not appear to be lifting people's moods.

"It's not a good way to start your vacation to Bermuda," Mr. Howes said. "On the other hand, it's better these problems were found on the ground than in the air."