because the on-board crew needed a 12-hour rest.

The 777 scheduled to arrive in Berumda at 4.30 yesterday was cancelled because of technical problems with the plane at Gatwick Airport. Airline bosses sent an older DC-10 to Bermuda instead, which arrived at around 6 p.m.

But the 777 cockpit crew already in Bermuda and preparing to fly back to the UK were unlicensed to fly the DC-10 because of strict aviation regulations.

Instead, BA gave the DC-10's cabin and cockpit crew an overnight rest at the Hamilton Princess so they could fly the plane out at 7.15 this morning.