Tuesday, August 20, 2024 A security scare at New Chitose Airport led to major travel disruptions after missing scissors caused flight cancellations, delays, and intensified security checks. A security scare at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport over the weekend caused major travel disruptions after a pair of scissors went missing from a store near the boarding gates. This incident led to immediate concerns and prompted airport authorities to act swiftly.
In response, security checks were temporarily suspended for about two hours on Saturday morning, resulting in significant delays. Thirty-six flights were canceled, and 201 were delayed, forcing passengers to endure extended waits and undergo additional screenings as authorities searched for the missing scissors. The situation escalated as the search intensified, with travelers facing long queues and further delays.
However, the missing scissors were eventually located the following day, bringing an end to the heightened security measures and allowing the airport to return to normal operations. Despite the disruptions, the incident highlighted the airport’s strong commitment to passenger safety. Hokkaido Airport, the operator of New Chitose Airport, confirmed the recovery of the scissors and emphasized that the situation was treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has since directed the airport to improve its storage and management protocols, ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future. The public response was largely positive, with many praising the airport’s handling of the situation and reaffirming confidence in Japanese aviation safety..
