Flights Disrupted at New Chitose Airport After Missing Scissors Lead to Security Halt
A significant disruption at Japan’s New Chitose Airport over the weekend resulted in 36 flight cancellations and 201 delays after a pair of scissors went missing from a store near the boarding gates. The incident led to a two-hour suspension of security checks, causing major bottlenecks and leaving hundreds of travelers stranded.
Security Measures Suspended
On Saturday morning, security checks at the domestic terminal of Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport were temporarily halted as authorities launched a search for the missing scissors. Passengers in the departure lounge faced lengthy queues and were required to retake security procedures. This disruption affected both departing and arriving flights, contributing to widespread travel delays.
Scissors Found and Flight Operations Resume
The missing scissors were eventually located the following day in the same store where they had been lost. Although the scissors were not found on the day of the incident, security measures and flight operations resumed later on Saturday. Hokkaido Airport announced on Monday that the scissors had been recovered by a store worker and confirmed to be the missing pair.
Traveler Reactions and Government Response
The timing of the disruption coincided with the return of travelers from Japan’s annual Bon holiday, leading to frustration among many passengers. One traveler expressed their frustration, stating, “I don’t think we have any choice but to wait, but I do hope they are a bit more careful about it.” Another commented on the constant concerns about travel safety, saying, “So many things to worry about these days… it never ends. And I don’t feel safe until I get home.”
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has requested that Hokkaido Airports investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The airport operator acknowledged that the issue stemmed from inadequate storage and management systems at the store. They also recognized the potential security implications, noting that the incident could be linked to concerns about hijacking or terrorism. Hokkaido Airport pledged to improve its management practices to enhance safety.
Public Response and Airport Reputation
The airport’s handling of the situation received positive feedback on social media, with users on X commending the airport’s response. Comments praised the effectiveness of Japanese air safety protocols and the thoroughness of the airport’s procedures. One user wrote, “This incident showcased the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its manuals!” Another noted, “It made me realize once again that New Chitose Airport is a safe airport to use.”
New Chitose Airport, one of Japan’s busiest airports, is known for handling the world’s second-most traveled domestic air route between Tokyo and Sapporo. According to aviation analytics company OAG, the airport served over 15 million travelers in 2022. The recent incident underscores the importance of stringent security measures and effective management in maintaining the safety and efficiency of major transportation hubs.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, bbc.com