The Kansas City Chiefs played in the coldest temperatures imaginable for an NFL game, but traveling in that weather was a different story Saturday.
The Chiefs team plane was stuck on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport, according to Fox Weather.
The airport announced Saturday afternoon that the airfield was closed due to the risk of icing.
“Due to rapid ice accumulation, the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) airfield is currently closed to flight operations,” the release said.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes watches play during the second half against the Cleveland Browns, Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. (Photo AP/David Richard)
Rapid accumulation of ice can lead to several possible complications and dangers for aircraft. Ice on the wings can disrupt airflow and cause a sudden loss of lift, which can lead to a stall or crash.
Planes affected by rapid ice accumulation often remain on the ground and are then treated with specialized fluids that melt ice and frost. But in extreme conditions, even frequent defrosting may not be enough to deal with rapid ice buildup.
Kansas City is facing a winter storm that is expected to continue through Sunday.
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A Kansas City Chiefs fan’s glasses fog up on a cold night during an AFC playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 13, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Chiefs’ plane was scheduled to fly to Denver Saturday night ahead of the team’s season finale against the Broncos on Sunday.
Their flight is delayed for a game that effectively has no meaning for the Chiefs. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce are just a handful of veteran starters who won’t even play because the team already clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
At 15-1, the game is just a footnote as the team prepares for its first-round bye in the playoffs. After that, Mahomes and company will look to complete their quest to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.
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Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs team plan have been blocked. (Getty Images)
Before that, they will have to make travel arrangements for the game in Denver.
The Broncos and their fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chiefs because this game has high stakes for their franchise.
The Broncos will be fighting to make the playoffs for the first time since their last Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season. With a win, they can clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC. If Denver loses, either the Miami Dolphins or the Cincinnati Bengals will take the final spot.
UPDATE: Chiefs team plane took off later Saturday evening
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Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals and interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
