called by the airline's biggest trade union.

The Transport and General Workers Union last night said it would call a 24-hour strike of cabin crew and ground staff starting at midnight tonight.

The call was made after talks with the airline failed to resolve a dispute over pay and conditions.

Today's British Airways flight is scheduled to depart for Gatwick Airport south of London at 8 p.m.

Local officials last night were unavailable for comment after the strike notice was issued.

Earlier, BA public relations officer Mrs. Sallie Singleton said: "There is a threat of industrial action, but we don t believe services will be disrupted.

We hope and believe industrial action can be avoided and we are still in talks with the unions involved.'' BA's three weekly flights to Bermuda depart from Gatwick Airport. One source said the airline has elaborate contingency plans in the event of any disruption at the airport. The plans would involve the re-routing of passengers to get them to their destinations.