Japan cancels flights after missing scissors

Over the weekend, 36 flights were canceled, and 201 experienced delays at a Japanese airport due to an incident involving a missing pair of scissors in a store near the boarding gates.

Security checks at Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport domestic terminal were unexpectedly halted on Saturday morning, temporarily stranding numerous travelers.

Passengers in the departure lounge experienced significant bottlenecks and long queues as they were required to undergo additional security checks.

Authorities tried to track down the missing scissors discovered at the same store the next day.

Despite the initial setback of not finding the scissors on the day they went missing, security checks and flights could resume later that day.

In a recent development, Hokkaido Airport, the operator of New Chitose Airport, announced on Monday that a pair of scissors had been discovered. According to reports, the scissors were found by a diligent worker at the store on Sunday.

According to authorities, the announcement was delayed until they could verify that the scissors had been lost.

Numerous travelers impacted by the cancellations and delays found themselves in a predicament as they tried to return home following Japan's annual Bon holiday.

According to one traveler who spoke to local media, waiting seems the only option. "However, it is important to emphasize the need for increased caution."

A fellow traveler expressed concerns about the many ongoing worries in today's world. "I don't feel safe until I arrive home," the individual expressed.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has requested that Hokkaido Airports investigate the cause of the incident and take measures to prevent its recurrence.

Hokkaido Airport acknowledged that the incident was caused by inadequate storage and management systems at the store. "This incident is being investigated with the possibility of a connection to hijacking or terrorism. We are committed to fully informing management and taking all necessary measures."

Many social media users on X expressed their admiration for the airport's response to the incident, with numerous individuals stating that it strengthened their trust in Japanese air safety.

"The incident highlighted the exemplary safety standards of Japanese aviation and the meticulousness of its manuals!" one user commented.

According to one individual, the experience "served as a reminder of the safety provided by New Chitose Airport."

New Chitose Airport in Japan is known for its bustling atmosphere. It handles one of the world's most popular domestic air routes, the route between Tokyo and Sapporo. As aviation analytics company OAG reported, the airport is a crucial hub for domestic travel in Japan.

In 2022, the airport saw a staggering number of over 15 million travelers passing through its gates.