My flight is delayed.
'Ritardo' — ri-TAR-do. Stress on the second syllable; the 'r' at the start is lightly rolled.
Say this to explain why you are late to a hotel, tour, or meeting. Or say it when you need to ask about your rights at the airport during a flight delay.
'In ritardo' is the fixed prepositional phrase meaning delayed or late. Used for transport: 'il treno è in ritardo', 'il volo è in ritardo', 'sono in ritardo' (I am late). The opposite: 'in orario' (on time), 'in anticipo' (early).
Quanto ritardo ha il volo?
How delayed is the flight?
Ask for the number of minutes/hours.
Hanno detto il motivo del ritardo?
Did they say the reason for the delay?
The reason determines your rights.
Ho diritto a pasti e voucher?
Am I entitled to meals and vouchers?
EU rules require meals for delays over 2 hours.
EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide care during delays: meals and refreshments after 2 hours, hotel accommodation if an overnight delay occurs, and transport to/from the hotel. Cash compensation (€250–€600) is due for delays over 3 hours unless caused by extraordinary circumstances.