Five major airlines have been accused of breaching consumer law by denying 200,000 passengers the compensation they are legally entitled to for delayed flights.

The CAA said that all the airlines concerned had confirmed them that they had not paid compensation when their delays meant passengers missed a connecting flight.

Under EU law, passengers are entitled to compensation if they arrive at their destination more than three hours late – including if booked on a connecting flight – unless the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances. These rights apply to any flight departing an EU airport, regardless of the nationality of the airline or the flights destination.

Emirates was highlighted as the most complained about airline for non-payment of compensation for connecting flights, the CAA said, citing its own data.

Richard Moriarty, director of consumers and markets at the CAA, said the airlines’ first responsibility should be looking after passengers, instead of finding ways in which they can prevent customers from holding their rights.

“Any disruption to a flight is frustrating for passengers, but delays that cause people to miss connecting flights have a particularly damaging effect on people's travel plans. That's why there are clear laws in place to make sure passengers that experience this type of disruption are looked after by their airline and compensated when the disruption was in the airline's control,” he said.

“It's disappointing to see a small number of airlines continuing to let a number of their passengers down by refusing to pay them the compensation they are entitled to,” he added.

Mr Moriarty added that the CAA will not hesitate to take the necessary action to ensure airlines change their policies and their customers get the assistance they are entitled to.

The most delayed UK airports in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 The most delayed UK airports in pictures The most delayed UK airports in pictures 1. Gatwick LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: A male police officer stands guard by an entrance to Gatwick North Terminal on March 22, 2016 in London, England. There has been an increased security presence at major London airports, including Gatwick, since the attacks in Brussels where a serious of explosions at the airport and a metro station have killed and injured people. (Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images) Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 2. Luton File photo dated 10/11/2005 of London Luton Airport in Bedfordshire which is the most expensive in the country for pick-ups as motorists dropping off friends and relatives at airports this summer could be stung by "sky-high charges," the RAC has warned. PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 3. Manchester MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Big Bird arrives at Manchester airport on his way to visit his friend Elmo at CBeebies The Furchester Hotel at Manchester Airport on June 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images) Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 4. Glasgow File photo dated 25/05/11 of a plane landing at Glasgow Airport, which has won a Best in Europe award one week after being named Scottish Airport of the Year. PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 5. Heathrow File photo dated 03/06/15 of passengers in the departure area of Heathrow Airport. Families jetting off on their summer holiday could be paying out nearly £62 a head extra on their break because of taxes on the must-buy items they want for their trip, according to new figures. PA The most delayed UK airports in pictures 6. Edinburgh The most delayed UK airports in pictures 7. Bristol BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 7: A Continental Airlines aircaft bound for New York passes a grounded budget airline plane after numerous other airlines refused to land or take off after runway safety fears, at Bristol International Airport January 7, 2006 in Bristol, England. Thousands of passengers' journeys were disrupted this weekend as flights were cancelled, diverted or moved to neighbouring airports. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 8. Stansted BISHOP'S STORTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of Stansted Airport on February 28, 2013 in Bishop's Stortford, England. The deal between Heathrow Airport Holdings, formerly known as BAA, and Manchester Airports Group to sell Stansted airport for ?1.5bn is to be finalised by today. The Competition Commission ruled that BAA must sell Stansted because of the lack of competition between London airports. (Photo by Bethany Clarke/Getty Images) Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 9. Birmingham A member of airport staff is seen among deserted check-in desks at the Birmingham International Airport in Birmingham, central England, on April 17, 2010. Britain has extended a ban on most flights in its airspace until 1:00 am (0000 GMT) Sunday, as the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland was "moving around and changing shape", air authorities said. Some 16,000 flights in European airspace on Saturday have been cancelled due to the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland that is still lingering over the continent, Eurocontrol said. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images The most delayed UK airports in pictures 10. Newcastle File photo dated 20/04/10 of a Jet2 plane at Newcastle Airport, as the budget airline announced that they will open its eighth UK base at Birmingham Airport next year. PA WIRE

According to last year’s data from consumer group Which?, a total of 449,000 flights were late by 15 minutes or more between April 2015 and March 2016, almost a quarter of the 1.9 million total. Around 10,000 of those were at least three hours behind schedule, according to the research.