Kansas City Chiefs stranded as ice closes airport preventing departure to Denver

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs were stranded at Kansas City International Airport Saturday as an ice storm disrupted operations, preventing their chartered plane from leaving for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.

The Chiefs attempted to reassemble the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, deteriorated over Kansas City. But the plane they were supposed to use was slow to arrive, so the team had to stick to its mid-afternoon departure.

The airport announced at 2:50 p.m. CDT that it had closed all flight operations due to “rapid accumulation of ice.” It was unclear when the Chiefs might depart, although a break was expected between the end of the freezing rain that fell in the afternoon and a thick line of heavy snow that was expected to begin in the evening and last through Sunday.

The hope was that the airport would have enough time to clear the runways and resume operations.

The Chiefs (15-1) clinched the top playoff spot and a first-round bye, making their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has important meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff spot with a win.

Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he plans to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs), while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to start the game.

The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they can play in the divisional round is on January 18.

Want more Broncos news? Subscribe to the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.