Vikings’ Road Trip Hit by Plane Trouble, Forcing Late Return to Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings faced unexpected travel chaos Saturday evening. Their team plane was forced to turn back due to a mechanical issue. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Minneapolis. The team will now arrive in New Jersey much later than planned for Sunday’s game.

The Vikings confirmed the situation in an official statement. According to the team, the aircraft experienced problems and returned safely to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The delay adds a disruptive twist to their final road trip of the regular season.

Flight Diverted After Landing Gear Issue, Delaying East Coast Arrival

Specific details of the mechanical fault were not formally released. However, reports from former player Ben Leber indicated a problem with the landing gear hatch. Leber, now a broadcaster, noted the hatch failed to close properly after departure.

Flight tracking data supported this timeline. Radar showed the plane turning back near Madison, Wisconsin. The team was originally scheduled to depart around 2:45 p.m. CT. Their replacement flight did not take off until approximately 7:20 p.m. CT.

Late Arrival Tests Team Routine Before Giants Matchup

The delay compresses the Vikings’ pre-game preparation window. They are now expected to land at Newark Airport around 10:50 p.m. ET. This is just over 13 hours before their noon CT kickoff against the New York Giants. Such a late arrival can disrupt sleep schedules and final walk-throughs.

Both teams are out of playoff contention, reducing the game’s stakes. Yet, player development remains a focus. The matchup offers another key evaluation opportunity for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Giants are expected to do the same with Jaxson Dart.

This travel snag is the latest hurdle in a challenging Vikings season. The team must now regroup quickly after a disrupted travel night. The Minnesota Vikings plane issue will test their adaptability before facing the Giants.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the Vikings plane to turn back?

The team cited a mechanical issue. Reports from a former player indicated a problem with the aircraft’s landing gear hatch, which did not close properly after takeoff.

When did the Vikings finally arrive in New Jersey?

Their replacement flight took off around 7:20 p.m. CT. They were scheduled to land at Newark International Airport close to 10:50 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

Did this delay affect the game schedule?

No, the game time remains unchanged. The Vikings and Giants will still play at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Were the players in any danger during the incident?

No. The team’s statement confirmed the plane returned safely to Minneapolis. All protocols for such mechanical issues were followed without incident.

How long is the typical flight from Minneapolis to Newark?

The flight usually takes about two and a half hours. The team’s significant delay was due to the turnaround and waiting for a replacement aircraft.