Hull City’s players experienced a significant delay at Manchester Airport on Thursday as they prepared to depart for a celebratory trip to Las Vegas following their promotion to the Premier League. The team, which secured promotion with a last-minute winning goal by striker Oli McBurnie in Saturday’s Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium, had been set to enjoy an all-expenses-paid holiday to the gambling hub, a promise made by club owner Acun Ilicali.
Initially in high spirits and posing for photos while boarding a private jet on the tarmac, the squad faced several hours of delay, ultimately requiring an overnight stay at a nearby airport hotel. Eyewitnesses at the DoubleTree by Hilton reported that the players maintained a lighthearted demeanor despite some visible frustration. According to one fan, the team was particularly concerned about missing a pre-arranged pool party in Las Vegas, with some players even jokingly considering alternative destinations such as Ibiza.
The unexpected disruption came as a disappointment following the team’s hard-fought success at Wembley, where McBurnie’s late goal secured their return to English football’s top tier after a period away. The delay at Manchester Airport has put the timing of their celebratory trip into question, though the club has not released an official statement regarding revised travel plans.
Hull City’s promotion marks a significant achievement for the club and its supporters, and the planned Las Vegas trip was intended as a reward for the players’ efforts throughout the season. The delay underscores the logistical challenges often involved in organizing travel for entire sports teams, especially under tight scheduling following major tournaments or matches.
