The Minnesota Vikings faced an unexpected travel disruption on Saturday when their team plane was forced to make an emergency return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to a mechanical fault.
Flight Diverted Shortly After Takeoff
The aircraft, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-300 operating as flight DL8866, departed for Newark Liberty International Airport at 1:18 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The team was travelling ahead of their Sunday fixture against the New York Giants.
However, the journey was cut short. According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the plane experienced "mechanical issues" shortly after departure, compelling the pilots to turn back. Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the aircraft made it as far as southern Wisconsin before circling back to Minneapolis, where it landed safely at 3:04 p.m.
Team Statement and Swift Reaccommodation
In an official statement relayed by Pelissero, the Vikings confirmed the incident: "Shortly after departing, the team plane experienced mechanical issues that required a return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The team will board a second plane momentarily and is now expected to arrive at Newark International Airport later tonight."
A Delta Air Lines spokesperson provided further details to The Independent, stating: "On Saturday Dec. 20, DL8866 from MSP to Newark (EWR) returned to MSP due to a mechanical issue. The aircraft landed without issue; customers were accommodated onto a new aircraft and arrived to their destination safely. We apologise to our customers for the delay in travels."
Pelissero posted an update just before 8:30 p.m., confirming the team was about to depart for Newark on a replacement aircraft.
Players and Staff React to the Mid-Air Scare
The incident was documented in real-time by those on board. Retired NFL player and broadcaster Ben Leber shared updates via his Instagram stories. His initial post, "Off to NYC!!", soon gave way to a more concerning caption over a flight map: "Can’t get to NY when the landing gear hatch doesn’t close." He later confirmed their safe, albeit delayed, arrival with a photo of Jersey City at night, writing, "Finally made it."
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers also sought to reassure fans, responding to an Instagram post about the diverted flight with the simple message: "We’re ok."
The Vikings were scheduled to face the Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, 21 December. This travel disruption preceded their final game of the year, which is set for Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis against the Detroit Lions.
