The Green Bay Packers’ travel to Phoenix was disrupted by a five-hour delay on October 18, 2025, after mechanical issues with their team plane required a replacement aircraft, impacting their schedule for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Green Bay Packers encountered a significant travel setback when mechanical problems with their charter plane led to a delay exceeding five hours. The team was en route to Phoenix, Arizona, for a Week 7 NFL matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, but the issue forced a last-minute change in plans. This delay affected the plane carrying players and coaches, while support staff traveled separately on time, highlighting the split in the team’s travel arrangements. The incident occurred just before the critical Sunday game, adding unexpected stress to the Packers’ preparations.
According to ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky, the Packers use two charter planes for away games, with the first departing at 1:15 p.m. Central Time with non-essential personnel. The second plane, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT with the players and coaches, was found to have mechanical faults, preventing its departure. A source confirmed that a new plane had to be sourced from Detroit to address the problem, leading to the extended wait. This quick response helped mitigate further disruptions, but the delay stretched over five hours due to logistics.
The delay lasted approximately five hours and fourteen minutes, with the players’ plane finally pushing back from Green Bay at 7:05 p.m. CT. It was expected to land in Phoenix at 8:32 p.m. Mountain Time, just over 12 hours before the scheduled kickoff at 1:25 p.m. MT on Sunday. This tight timeline raised concerns about potential impacts on player rest and game preparation, though team officials worked to minimize negative effects. The late arrival meant players had less time to acclimate to the time zone and stadium conditions.
The mechanical issue was specific to the aircraft and was discovered too late to reroute the players onto the first plane, which had already left. This separation meant that the coaching staff and key players faced the delay together, potentially fostering team bonding but also adding stress. The Packers’ organization quickly arranged for the replacement plane, demonstrating their ability to handle unforeseen challenges. Such incidents are rare but underscore the importance of contingency plans in professional sports travel.
This delay occurs as the Packers aim to secure their first road victory of the season against the Cardinals. With a 3-3 record entering the game, every contest is crucial for playoff positioning, and travel disruptions could influence performance. However, historical data shows that teams often adapt to such delays, and the Packers have experienced similar issues in the past without major consequences. The team’s resilience will be tested, but players are trained to handle adversity.
The event highlights the logistical complexities of NFL travel, where teams rely on chartered flights to maintain tight schedules across different time zones. Mechanical issues, while infrequent, can cause significant disruptions, as seen in this case. The Packers’ response, including bringing in a plane from Detroit, reflects the resources available to professional sports teams to ensure minimal impact on operations. This incident may prompt reviews of travel protocols to prevent future occurrences.
Looking ahead, the Packers are focused on the game against the Cardinals, with coaches and players likely using the extra time on the ground for additional preparation or rest. The team’s resilience will be tested, but such events are part of the unpredictable nature of sports. Fans and analysts will monitor whether the delay affects the outcome, but the Packers are expected to compete at their usual level. Ultimately, this serves as a reminder of how external factors can influence game dynamics in the NFL.