Flame acceleration (FA) and explosion of hydrogen/air mixtures remain key issues for severe accident management in nuclear power plants. Empirical criteria were developed in the early 2000s by Dorofeev and colleagues, providing effective tools to discern possible FA or DDT (Deflagration-toDetonation Transition) scenarios. A large experimental database, composed mainly of middle-scale experiments in obstacle-laden ducts at atmospheric pressure condition, has been used to validate these criteria. However, during a severe accident, the high release rate of steam and non-condensable gases into the containment can result in pressure increase up to 5 bar abs. In the present work, the influence of the unburnt gas initial pressure on flame propagation mechanisms was experimentally investigated. Premixed hydrogen/air mixtures with H 2