British Airways flight from London, according to Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow.

Bermuda Post Office officials alerted the attention of US airport officials to the lack of express mail being sent to Bermuda and the bags of mail were found to have been at New York's JFK airmail facility for some time.

They were originally set to be transported to Bermuda by American Airlines but were left on the ground, said Mr. Crichlow.

The delay in receiving the mail from the US lies outside the control of Bermuda Post Office officials but now that it is here, at least half the mail received is set to be processed this morning and delivered by this afternoon.

Staff at the Bermuda Post Office will be working very hard to ensure that as many letters and merchandise are taken to sub post offices throughout the Island, said the Postmaster General.

But there is a possibility of a delay as Customs officers will insist on opening and checking all the mail, especially the merchandise, he warned.

Notes informing customers that mail has arrived will be distributed to sub offices throughout the Island and calls will be made to as many customers as possible.

Apart from last night's BA flight, more mail is also expected to arrive from overseas shortly and Mr. Crichlow said he hoped staff would wrap up the backlog of mail shortly after Christmas.