Italian Phrase
I voli sono in ritardo.
Meaning
The sentence means “The flights are delayed.” It tells the listener that several scheduled flights have not taken off at the expected time.
When to use
Use this phrase at airports, in travel‑related phone calls, or when checking a flight board. It’s the standard way to announce a delay to passengers and staff.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ivolisonoinritardo
Definite article (I)
Plural masculine definite article that agrees with the noun "voli".
Noun (voli)
"Volo" means “flight”; "voli" is its masculine plural form.
Verb (sono)
Third‑person plural present of "essere" (to be), matching the plural subject.
Preposition (in)
Used here to introduce a state or condition, similar to “in” in English.
Noun (ritardo)
"Ritardo" means “delay”. It stays singular even when the subject is plural.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, i voli per Roma sono in ritardo?
Excuse me, are the flights to Rome delayed?
Sì, tutti i voli per Roma sono in ritardo di circa mezz'ora.
Yes, all flights to Rome are delayed by about half an hour.
✕Common Mistakes
I voli è in ritardo.
Verb must agree with the plural subject "voli"; use "sono" not "è".
I voli sono ritardo.
The preposition "in" is required before "ritardo".
Voli sono in ritardo.
Do not drop the article; "voli" needs the definite article "i".
↔Alternatives
I voli hanno un ritardo.
The flights have a delay.
I voli sono in ritardo di mezz'ora.
The flights are delayed by half an hour.
C'è un ritardo nei voli.
There is a delay in the flights.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, flight delays are announced with this exact construction. Airport staff tend to be formal, so keep the article and verb agreement correct. In casual conversation you might also hear "c'è un ritardo" (there's a delay) instead of the full sentence.