An airlines' obligation to pay compensation to UK passengers affected by long delays has been suspended by the High Court in London.
British Airways and easyJet were part of a pressure group, including IATA, calling for a judicial review of a European Court of Justice ruling made last November which gave passengers the right to compensation for long delays, not just cancelled flights.
Consequently, the High Court said it has referred the issue back to the ECJ and it will not hear any more cases until the body rules again.
A BA spokesman said: "We are pleased that the issue has been referred by the UK courts back to the European Court of Justice so that it can be re-examined."
EasyJet corporate affairs manager Andrew McConnell, said: "We welcome this opportunity to seek legal clarification over compensation for flight delays following the judgement of the European Court in 2009.
"It is important to clarify that this case will not affect delayed passengers' right to care, such as phone calls, hotel accomodation and food, and we will continue to fully comply with EU regulations for claims relating to cancellations or denied boarding."
However, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it would uphold the current position at the next ECJ hearings.
"The High Court stayed our enforcement powers so the courts won't hear cases in the interim," a spokesman said.
"But our view of the law hasn't changed - we wish to enforce the position laid down by the 2009 ruling."