Vikings’ Charter Plane Returns to Airport After Mechanical Issue

The Minnesota Vikings’ charter plane encountered mechanical issues shortly after takeoff on Saturday afternoon, prompting an immediate return to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. A team spokesman confirmed the incident, which occurred as the team was en route to Newark, New Jersey, for their upcoming game against the New York Giants.

According to a flight map shared by team broadcaster Ben Leber on Instagram, the plane altered its course just south of Madison, Wisconsin. Leber reported that the issue involved the plane’s landing gear hatch, which failed to close properly after takeoff. Fortunately, all players, coaches, and staff on board were unharmed during the incident.

The Vikings plan to board a replacement plane later in the afternoon or early evening, allowing them to arrive in Newark later that night. This game against the Giants marks the team’s final road contest of the season. The Vikings have secured victories in their last two games; however, they were eliminated from postseason contention the previous week.

Upcoming Games for the Vikings

Following their matchup with the Giants, the Vikings will conclude their season with two home games. They are set to face the Detroit Lions on December 25, 2023, and the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. These games will provide an opportunity for the team to finish the season on a positive note, despite their earlier elimination from playoff considerations.

The mechanical issue with the charter plane serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel in professional sports. As the Vikings prepare for their final games, fans will be closely watching to see how the team performs in the concluding weeks of the season.