Flights cancelled in Japan after scissors go missing

Recently, a significant incident occurred at New Chitose Airport, one of Japan's busiest airports located in Hokkaido Prefecture. On a weekend, the airport faced major disruptions when a pair of scissors went missing from a store near the boarding gates. This unusual situation led to the cancellation of thirty-six flights and caused two hundred and one flights to be delayed. On Saturday morning, security checks at the airport's domestic terminal were halted for about two hours, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded and frustrated. The long lines and bottlenecks in the departure lounge made the situation even more stressful for those trying to catch their flights. Airport authorities worked diligently to resolve the issue, but it took time to ensure the safety of all passengers. The missing scissors were eventually found the next day in the same store where they had disappeared. Although the scissors were not located on Saturday, the airport was able to resume security checks and flights later that day. On Monday, Hokkaido Airport announced that a worker had discovered the scissors and they needed to confirm that they were indeed the same ones that had gone missing. This was crucial for maintaining safety protocols. Many travelers affected by the cancellations and delays were returning home after Japan's annual Bon holiday, a time when families come together to honor their ancestors. One traveler expressed their frustration, stating, 'I don't think we have any choice but to wait. ' They understood the situation but hoped for better management in the future. Another traveler shared their concerns, saying, 'So many things to worry about these days… it never ends. And I don't feel safe until I get home. ' This highlights the importance of feeling secure while traveling. In response to the incident, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism requested Hokkaido Airports to investigate the cause of the problem and to implement measures to prevent it from happening again. The airport acknowledged that the incident occurred due to insufficient storage and management systems at the store. They also recognized that this situation could be linked to hijacking or terrorism, which is a serious concern for air travel. The airport promised to enhance their management practices to ensure the safety of all passengers. Social media users on X praised the airport's response to the incident, with many expressing their confidence in Japanese air safety. One user wrote, 'This incident showcased the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its manuals! ' Another user commented, 'It made me realize once again that New Chitose Airport is a safe airport to use. ' New Chitose Airport is vital for air travel in Japan, serving the world's second-most traveled domestic air route between Tokyo and Sapporo. In 2022, more than fifteen million travelers used the airport, demonstrating its significance in the aviation industry. The incident, while unfortunate, also highlighted the commitment of Japanese authorities to maintaining high safety standards in air travel.