What is indicated by the term delayed flight?

The term "delayed flight" refers to a situation where a flight is operating behind schedule. This can be due to various reasons such as technical issues, weather conditions, air traffic control delays, or operational challenges. Understanding that "delayed" specifically means that the flight is not arriving or departing at its originally scheduled time is crucial.

For clarity, a flight arriving earlier than scheduled would be termed an "early flight," and a flight functioning without passengers does not meet the criteria for being categorized as delayed, as it doesn't pertain to schedule adjustments. Similarly, flights under inclement weather conditions might be delayed, but the term itself does not specify weather as a cause; it encompasses a broader spectrum of reasons for operating behind schedule. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what a delayed flight signifies in aviation terminology.