What is a flight called that does not continue its journey and returns to the ramp?

The term "Return Flight" accurately describes a scenario in which an aircraft does not proceed to its intended destination and instead returns to the ramp. This terminology is commonly used in aviation to indicate that the flight has turned back before reaching its planned endpoint. Such flights can occur due to various reasons, including technical issues, weather concerns, or other operational challenges.

Understanding this concept is crucial for both aviation professionals and passengers, as it helps clarify the different stages and statuses of flight operations. Other terms like "Cancelled Flight" refer to flights that are scheduled but do not operate at all, while "Grounded Flight" usually denotes a flight that is unable to take off due to certain restrictions or technical issues, but may not necessarily return to the ramp. "Delayed Flight" pertains to flights that experience a postponement in their scheduled departure time but are still planned to take off. Therefore, "Return Flight" is the most specific and accurate term for a flight that has decided to turn back to the ramp.