The Kansas City Chiefs were reportedly stranded at the airport for more than four hours Saturday due to a severe winter storm before being cleared to fly to Denver for Sunday’s game against the host Broncos.
Kansas City International Airport halted operations at 2:50 p.m. local time before the Chiefs could leave town.
“Due to rapid accumulation, the airfield at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is currently closed to flight operations.” the airport said on social media.
The city is being hit by a major storm that is bringing heavy snow and freezing rain into the area. A blizzard warning is set to go in effect at 3 a.m. CT on Sunday.
The Chiefs reportedly attempted to move up their departure time but were unable to due to a mechanical issue with the plane. Also, the airport’s de-icing machine was broken, adding to delays.
Once the airport resumed operations two-plus hours later, the Chiefs’ plane eventually received the go-ahead to depart at 5:21 p.m. CT.
The contest means nothing for Kansas City (15-1), which has clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. But the Broncos (9-7) need a victory or outside help to wrap up their playoff berth.
–Field Level Media