Scissors grounds one of Japan’s busiest airports
A missing pair of scissors has disrupted air traffic at one of the busiest airports in Japan. Concerns over the scissors, which had been used at a store in the departure waiting area of a domestic flight, led to an hours-long security search at New Chitose Airport which serves the Sapporo area in the northern island of Hokkaido.
Airport officials said that as many as 36 flights were cancelled on 17th August with an additional 201 delayed during the search. Concerns that a potential terrorist could have taken the pair of scissors and using them on board were raised. Eventually, the tools were located, allowing flights to resume, the airport said.
“We are aware that the incident occurred due to the lack of proper usage, storage and management systems by the store users,” New Chitose Airport’s operators said in a statement. “We will investigate this incident, determine its cause, and prevent its recurrence. We will also reaffirm that this incident could relate to hijacking and terrorist attack, and we will ensure that all airport personnel are fully aware of the importance of management.”
Among the affected by the delays was Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet. The group missed its performance at the annual Rising Sun music festival in Hokkaido as a result of a flight cancellation.
“We will definitely get our revenge!!” the band said in a statement on the event’s website, as the festival itself revealed that it would not be offering ticket refunds.
Travellers voiced their frustrations online.
“I feel like crying because my flight was canceled due to someone losing a pair of scissors,” one wrote on X.
“Because of this incident, the flight I was supposed to take was canceled, and now my reunion with my family I was looking forward to has been shortened. It’s a major disappointment,” according to another.
However, there were those who appreciated the airport taking the potential theft seriously.
“As a passenger, I’m grateful that they take such thorough measures to ensure safety,” an X user posted on the platform.
