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.
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.