Vikings’ Travel Woes as Mechanical Issues Delay Journey to New Jersey
It was nearly 11 p.m. EST on Saturday when the Minnesota Vikings’ team plane finally touched down in Newark, New Jersey. This late arrival was not due to a leisurely travel schedule but rather a mechanical issue that forced the pilots to turn the flight back to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport shortly after takeoff.
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers confirmed the situation with a succinct update, stating, “Wheels on the ground,” at 10:46 p.m. EST. The team had initially departed MSP on Saturday afternoon, only to confront significant flight complications about an hour into their journey.
Mechanical Malfunction Forces Return
The problem arose when the landing gear hatch failed to close properly. This prompted a return to Minneapolis while the plane was flying over southern Wisconsin. Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber, who was on the flight and now serves as a sideline reporter for the Vikings Radio Network, provided insight into the situation, emphasizing the urgency of the mechanical issues.
In a statement, the Vikings acknowledged the incident, noting that the plane experienced mechanical difficulties shortly after takeoff. Flight Radar data confirmed that the flight turned back just after 2 p.m. CT and landed back at MSP roughly an hour later.
Extended Delays and Frustrations
After returning to Minneapolis, the team was forced to board a second plane. Unfortunately, this meant that they wouldn’t depart until around 7:45 p.m. CT. Vikings radio announcer Paul Allen shared on the Sunday morning pregame show the extent of the travel day ordeal, revealing that the team spent approximately 10 and a half hours on planes and buses before finally arriving at their hotel in New Jersey around 11:45 p.m. EST.
This latest incident marks the first significant plane mishap for the Vikings since a memorable episode on Christmas Eve 2024, when the team’s plane slid off the runway in snowy Green Bay. As they prepare for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, which kicks off at 12 p.m. CT, the Vikings will undoubtedly hope for a smoother journey ahead.
