The Minnesota Vikings’ team plane experienced mechanical issues during its flight to New Jersey for the game against the New York Giants, forcing the jet to turn around. Minnesota plays New York at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The mechanical issues began shortly after takeoff, and the plane returned to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Players, coaches, and staff boarded another plane that departed later for Newark Liberty International Airport. Minnesota Vikings team plane makes emergency landing en route to New York Giants game https://t.co/f7gnLAQX0A pic.twitter.com/WF41bL8P4j — New York Post (@nypost) December 20, 2025 ESPN has more: According to a flight map posted by team broadcaster Ben Leber on Instagram, the plane changed course just south of Madison, Wisconsin. Leber wrote that the plane’s landing gear hatch didn’t close after takeoff. Sunday’s game is the Vikings’ final road contest of the season. They have won two straight games but were eliminated from postseason contention last week. They’ll finish their season with home games against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day and the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. “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 team statement read. The Vikings’ team plane to Newark had to turn around today and return to Minneapolis because of mechanical issues. Minnesota is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Giants in East Rutherford, N.J. Statement from the team: “Shortly after departing, the team plane… — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2025 Fox News noted: Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers commented on an Instagram post of the news, writing, “We’re ok.” The Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention but are coming off a signature win over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy had arguably his best game as a pro, throwing for a career-high 250 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. They play a Giants team that has the worst record in the NFL at 2-12, tied with the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders.