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Chiefs plane stranded on runway at Kansas City International Airport after weather forces closure

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/04/25•

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Kansas City Chiefs team plane
© Kim Klement-Imagn Images

As winter weather roars through the area, Kansas City International Airport shut down Saturday due to icy conditions. That left a slew of travelers stranded – including the Chiefs.

The team plane was expected to arrive in Denver at 3 p.m. local time Saturday, but never left Kansas City. The franchise is still at the airport riding out the storm, and it’s unclear when they’ll be able to leave.

The Chiefs take a 15-1 record into Sunday’s season finale against the Broncos, and are expected to be without multiple big names in preparation for the playoffs. Now, it’s a matter of when they’ll be able to make their way to Denver.

It turns out the Chiefs tried to leave earlier, according to ChiefsDigest.com’s Matt Derrick. However, the charter was delayed on its arrival into Kansas City, meaning they had to go with the originally scheduled departure time – and, as a result, they’re now stuck at the airport.

Kansas City’s city manager, Brian David Platt, offered an update on when operations would start back up. At 4:39 p.m. CT, he said the airport would be back up and running in 30 minutes.

Sunday’s game between Kansas City and Denver is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. With less than 24 hours to go, it’s unclear if it’ll stay in that window or if it will have to change.

Carson Wentz to start for Chiefs against Broncos

The Chiefs have the AFC’s No. 1 seed already, which is why they’re opting to rest most of their big names against the Broncos. Players such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are not expected to play even though Kansas City could eliminate Denver. If the Broncos win, they’re in the playoffs, and a loss means they’re once again on the outside looking in.

Carson Wentz is in line to start for Kansas City after sitting behind Mahomes this year. He kept the situation in perspective earlier this week when asked about making his first start of the season.

“I want to play well and have success out there and ultimately — more than anything — get a win. That’s the goal,” Wentz said. “Obviously, we know the circumstances. We know where we’re at and the reason I’m playing and not Pat and all the things, but I still go out there and expect to win. I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and have a good performance with this offense. We’re preparing for that.”