Chaos erupted at Japan’s New Chitose Airport on Saturday when a missing pair of scissors led to the cancellation of 36 flights and delays for over 200 others, according to a report by the BBC. The airport, renowned for its stringent security measures, was thrown into turmoil after a retail outlet reported the scissors missing. A thorough search was launched, during which security checks for incoming passengers were suspended for at least two hours.
The suspension of security checks resulted in a severe backlog, causing lengthy queues that stretched for hours. Many passengers were turned away and denied entry to the airport. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that the airport was particularly busy that day, with travellers returning home after the Obon holiday, a traditional Japanese festival that honours ancestors.
Many frustrated travellers expressed their concerns, hoping for improved safety practices in the future. One passenger remarked, “I don’t think we have any choice but to wait, but I do hope they are a bit more careful about it.” Another traveller added, “There are so many things to worry about these days… it never ends. I won’t feel safe until I get home.”
Fortunately, the missing scissors were eventually found in the same shop where they had gone missing, easing concerns of theft or malicious intent. However, the announcement that the scissors had been found was delayed, as the airport needed to confirm they were the same pair that had disappeared, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.
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The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has requested the airport to investigate the incident to prevent a recurrence. “We recognise that this happened due to insufficient storage and management systems at the store. We understand that this is an incident that could be linked to hijacking or terrorism, and we will work to ensure thorough management awareness,” a representative from the airport told the BBC.
Opened in 1988, New Chitose is the largest airport in Hokkaido and one of Japan’s busiest airports. In 2022, it handled over 15 million passengers, reinforcing its role as a vital transportation hub in northern Japan.