How a missing pair of scissors caused 36 flight cancellations at a busy Japanese airport

The incident resulted in delays of over 200 flights and 36 flights were cancelled completely.

Chaos broke out at Japan’s Chitose Airport on Saturday when a pair of scissors went missing, leading to the cancellation of 36 flights and delays for over 200 others. BBC reported. The airport, known for its strict security protocols, was thrown into turmoil after a retailer reported the missing scissors. A search operation ensued, with security checks for arriving passengers suspended for at least two hours.

The suspension of security checks caused a significant backlog, resulting in queues that lasted for hours. Many passengers were turned away and denied entry to the airport. The airport was particularly congested that day as travelers returned home after the Obon Festival, a traditional Japanese festival honoring ancestors.

Problems at New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido, Japan.
It was discovered that illegal baggage was brought in behind the security checkpoint.
All passengers in the gate area had to disembark once and the check must be repeated. https://t.co/ye3HdiKIwE

— Nobi Hayashi 林信行 (@nobi) 17 August 2024

Many affected travelers expressed their frustration and hoped for better safety measures in the future. One traveler said, “I don’t think we have a choice (but to wait), but I hope they’re a little more cautious about doing so.”

Another said: “There are so many things to worry about these days… it never ends. And I don’t feel safe until I get home.”

However, the scissors were eventually found in the same shop where they went missing, allaying fears of theft and malicious intent. The announcement of the found scissors was delayed because the airport had to confirm that it was the same pair of scissors as the missing ones, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked the airport to investigate the cause to prevent a recurrence.

“We are aware that this is due to inadequate storage and management systems in the store. We are aware that this is also an incident that could be linked to kidnapping or terrorism and will again work to ensure full management awareness,” an airport representative told the BBC.

Opened in 1988, New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido and one of the busiest airports in Japan. In 2022, the airport welcomed over 15 million passengers, cementing its position as a major transportation hub in northern Japan.