Is my flight delayed?
ri-TAR-do — stress on second syllable. Keep the 'r' rolled slightly.
When checking the departures board or asking airport staff about your flight status.
'In ritardo' is the standard Italian expression for 'delayed' or 'late'. It is used for trains, buses, and flights alike. The opposite is 'in orario' (on time) or 'in anticipo' (early). Italians use 'il mio volo' to specify 'my flight'.
Il volo è cancellato?
Is the flight cancelled?
'Cancellato' — same root as English 'cancelled'
Di quanto è il ritardo?
How long is the delay?
Ask this to find out the extent of the delay
Quando arriverà il volo?
When will the flight arrive?
Useful on the arrivals side when meeting someone
Italian flights, especially on domestic routes, are statistically among the more punctual in southern Europe. However, summer strikes (scioperi) can cause major disruptions. Always check the departures board (tabellone delle partenze) on arrival at the terminal.