18° and Clear
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA SPORTS | Vikings Charter Flight Turns Back to MSP After Mechanical Issue, Team Departs Later for Giants Game
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Minnesota Vikings experienced an unexpected travel disruption Saturday when the team’s charter flight to New Jersey was forced to return to Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue, team officials confirmed.
According to the Vikings and multiple national outlets, the aircraft departed Minneapolis early Saturday afternoon bound for Newark International Airport ahead of Sunday’s road game against the New York Giants. Not long after takeoff, the flight crew identified a mechanical problem and made the decision to turn the plane around as a precaution.
Flight tracking data and reporting from team broadcaster Ben Leber indicated the aircraft reversed course southwest of Madison, Wisconsin, at approximately 2:05 p.m. Central Time. The plane landed safely back at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport at 3:04 p.m. The Vikings said the issue involved a mechanical malfunction, and reports indicated the landing gear hatch did not close properly. The team did not publicly release further technical details.
All players, coaches, and staff were unharmed. Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers posted a brief message on social media shortly after the landing, writing that everyone on board was safe.
After deplaning and waiting several hours at the airport, the team boarded a replacement aircraft and departed on a second charter flight at 6:52 p.m. Central Time. The Vikings are expected to arrive at Newark International Airport at approximately 9:50 p.m. Eastern Time, roughly four hours later than originally scheduled.
The delay comes as Minnesota prepares for a Week 16 matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Although the Vikings enter the game with a 6 and 8 record and have been eliminated from playoff contention, the team is seeking to build momentum after consecutive wins over Washington and Dallas. Sunday’s game also features a matchup between two young quarterbacks aiming to solidify their standing ahead of the 2026 season, with J.J. McCarthy starting for Minnesota and Jaxson Dart under center for New York.
The altered travel plans add another variable for a Vikings team already navigating roster challenges. Minnesota will be without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who is on season ending injured reserve following knee surgery, and defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, sidelined with a thigh injury. Offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, running back Ty Chandler, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew are listed as questionable. The Giants, who enter the game at 2 and 12, are expected to be without outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux due to a shoulder injury and wide receiver Beaux Collins, who remains in concussion protocol.
Saturday’s incident also revived memories of a previous unusual travel episode in franchise history. In December 2016, the Vikings’ plane slid off a snowy runway in Appleton, Wisconsin, forcing players and staff to evacuate using a cherry picker. Unlike that incident, Saturday’s mechanical issue resulted in no injuries and only a brief delay to the team’s schedule.
Kickoff for Vikings at Giants is set for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, December 21, with the game airing nationally on FOX.
