Minnesota Vikings’ Plane Forced to Make Emergency Landing Ahead of Game Against New York Giants

The Minnesota Vikings were forced to make an emergency landing during their flight from Minneapolis to Newark, N.J.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, the NFL team left the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport just to return about an hour later due to mechanical issues with their plane, NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed on X.

They were going to Newark Liberty International Airport ahead of their game against the New York Giants, scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. EST in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday.

“Shortly after departing, the team plane experienced mechanical issues that required a return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport,” the team said in a statement, per Pelissero. “The team will board a second plane momentarily and is now expected to arrive at Newark International Airport later tonight.”

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Team broadcaster Ben Leber documented the journey on his Instagram Stories.

“Off to NYC!!” Leber wrote over a photo of himself enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the Miami Hurricanes play the Texas A&M Aggies from his seat on the aircraft.

Moments later, however, he shared another photo of their adjusted route alongside the caption, “Can’t get to NY when the landing gear hatch doesn’t close. 🤦🏻‍♂️”

As seen in the photo, the plane appeared to change course just south of Madison, Wisconsin.

Despite the significant delay, Leber then shared a snap of the city lights a few hours later, writing, “Finally made it.”

Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers also confirmed they were safe by commenting, “We’re ok 👏👏,” underneath a fan page’s Instagram post.

While the Vikings are already eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-8 record, they are coming off back-to-back wins over the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys.

Following their final road game of the season against the New York Giants, the team will have home games at the U.S. Bank Stadium against the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers.