The Minnesota Vikings had an unexpected detour on their way to face the New York Giants, as the team’s charter flight was forced to make an emergency landing due to a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.
Roughly an hour into the flight, the aircraft was rerouted and landed safely after the crew encountered a problem with the landing gear hatch, which reportedly failed to close properly. The issue forced the plane to alter course just south of Madison, Wisconsin. Former Vikings linebacker and current broadcaster Ben Leber, who was on the flight, shared a flight map and updates on social media, noting the cause of the diversion and later confirming his safe arrival in New Jersey-albeit several hours behind schedule.
Leber’s post summed it up plainly: “Can’t get to NY when the landing gear hatch doesn’t close.” That’s a situation no team wants to face, especially heading into a crucial late-season matchup.
Despite the hiccup, the Vikings stayed on schedule. Players, coaches, and staff boarded a second plane and departed Minnesota around 8:25 p.m.
ET, ensuring they’d be in position to prepare for Sunday’s game. With postseason implications still in play, every detail matters-even the travel logistics.
This road game against the Giants marks the Vikings’ final trip away from home in the regular season. After this, they’ll return to U.S.
Bank Stadium for two critical divisional matchups against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Both games are expected to carry major weight in the NFC North standings and could help shape the playoff picture.
For now, the Vikings can breathe a sigh of relief that the travel scare didn’t derail their plans. But between the landing gear drama and the playoff race heating up, it’s safe to say the team’s December journey is anything but ordinary.