A group representing Ryanair and 10 other low-fares airlines has won a review of EU regulations on passenger compensation.

The rules, due to come into force next February, would force airlines to compensate passengers who are denied boarding and those affected by cancellations and delays.

The European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) has persuaded the High Court in London to refer the measure to the European Court of Justice. It asked the European court to examine the case as a matter of urgency given the short time before the new regulations come into force.

Mr Wolfgang Kurth, president of the association, said the EU legislation would not only make airlines pay up when it was their fault but also hold them responsible for delays and cancellations outside of their control. "It is even in direct conflict with existing international law."

The association is based in Brussels but took the case through the English courts. It had to go through a national court for a referral as it has no rights to send EU legislation to the European Court of Justice itself.