A European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling last November gave passengers the right to compensation for long delays, not just cancellations.
But the High Court has, at the request of UK airlines, referred the matter back to the ECJ for a further hearing.
It means UK courts will not hear any more cases until the ECJ rules again.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which enforces the airline regulations, said it would defend 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.” Read more…