What type of flight is characterized by the absence of passengers?

The correct answer describes a ferry flight, which is specifically defined as a flight conducted to move an aircraft from one location to another without carrying any passengers or cargo. These flights are often necessary for reasons such as repositioning aircraft to different locations for maintenance, serving routes that may not be profitable, or preparing an aircraft for a new assignment. The primary goal of a ferry flight is not to transport people or goods, but rather to relocate the aircraft itself.

In contrast, other flight types involve different circumstances. For instance, domicile flights usually refer to scheduled operations that take place between a crew member's home base and their assigned aircraft. Repo flights, short for "repossession flights," denote flights where an aircraft is taken back by a lender or seller, commonly involving ownership changes rather than a lack of passengers. Hold flights might involve aircraft being kept in a holding pattern, which again does not pertain specifically to the absence of passengers.

Understanding the unique characteristics of ferry flights helps illustrate scenarios in aviation where aircraft need to be moved for operational efficiency without the usual passenger considerations.