New Chitose ranks among Japan’s busiest airports.
Scissors Go Missing, Causing Major Disruptions at Japanese Airport
A weekend incident at a Japanese airport led to significant disruptions. Thirty-six flights were canceled, and 201 were delayed after a pair of scissors disappeared from a store near the boarding gates.
Security Checks Suspended
On Saturday morning, security checks at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport domestic terminal were halted for about two hours. This caused chaos, with hundreds of travelers stranded temporarily.
Passengers Face Delays
Passengers already in the departure lounge had to undergo security checks again, leading to long queues and bottlenecks.
Missing Scissors Found
Authorities searched for the missing scissors, which were eventually found at the same store the next day.
Flights Resume Despite Missing Scissors
The missing scissors were not found on Saturday, the day they went missing. However, security checks and flights eventually resumed later that day.
Scissors Discovered the Next Day
On Monday, Hokkaido Airport, which operates New Chitose Airport, announced that the scissors had been located by a worker at the store on Sunday. Authorities waited to confirm that these were the same scissors before making an official statement.
Travelers Affected During Bon Holiday
Many travelers impacted by the delays and cancellations were returning home after Japan’s annual Bon holiday. One traveler commented, “We have no choice but to wait, but I hope they are more careful in the future.” Another expressed concern, saying, “There are so many things to worry about these days… I won’t feel safe until I get home.”
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has requested Hokkaido Airports to investigate the incident and prevent future occurrences. Hokkaido Airport acknowledged the issue, stating, “This happened due to inadequate storage and management at the store. We recognize the potential link to hijacking or terrorism and will work to improve management practices.”
Social Media Reactions
Users on X praised the airport’s handling of the situation, with many expressing renewed confidence in Japanese air safety. One user remarked, “This incident highlighted the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its protocols!” Another said it reminded them that “New Chitose Airport is a safe airport to use.”
New Chitose’s Significance
New Chitose is among Japan’s busiest airports, serving the world’s second-most traveled domestic air route between Tokyo and Sapporo. In 2022, more than 15 million travelers passed through the airport.
Additional reporting by Chika Nakayama in Tokyo.