36 Flights Cancelled, 201 Delayed in Japan after Scissors go missing

Thirty-six flights were cancelled and 201 delayed at a Japanese airport over the weekend after a pair of scissors went missing from a store near the departure gates.

Security checks at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport domestic terminal were suspended for around two hours on Saturday morning, leaving hundreds of passengers detained.

There were massive congestion and lineups as passengers in the departure lounge had to retake security procedures.

Authorities attempted to find the missing scissors, which were discovered at the same store the next day.

Although the scissors were not found on Saturday, the day they went missing, security checks and flights resumed later that day.

Hokkaido Airport, the operator of New Chitose Airport, reported on Monday that the scissors were discovered by a store employee on Sunday.

Authorities explained that they didn’t make the news until they determined that the scissors were the same as the ones that were lost.

Many of the tourists hit by the cancellations and delays were returning home following Japan’s annual Bon vacation.

“I don’t think we have any choice (but to wait),” said one visitor to local media at the time. “But I do hope they are bit more careful about it.”

Another traveler stated, “There are so many things to worry about these days. It never ends.” I don’t feel safe till I get home.”

Tourists Affected by Delays After Japan’s Bon Vacation

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has directed Hokkaido Airports to examine the incident and prevent it from occurring again.

“We recognise that this occurred as a result of insufficient storage and management systems at the store,” stated the airport’s spokesperson. “We are aware that this is also an incident that could be linked to hijacking or terrorism, and will once again work to ensure thorough management awareness.”

Social media users on X commended the airport’s response to the incident, with some saying it renewed their faith in Japanese air safety.

“This incident showcased the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its manuals!” a user commented.

Someone else reported that it “made me realise once again that New Chitose Airport is a safe airport to use.”

According to aviation analytics company OAG, New Chitose is one of Japan’s busiest airports, offering the world’s second-most travelled domestic air route, which connects Tokyo and Sapporo.

In 2022, the airport served more than 15 million passengers.

Source: BBC