How a pair of scissors sparked mayhem at Japan’s airport and grounded over 36 flights

A security scare involving a pair of missing scissors led to significant disruption at Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport over the weekend. The incident, which began on Saturday morning, caused the cancellation of 36 flights and delays for 201 others, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The scissors, missing from a store near boarding gates, resulted in a two-hour suspension of security checks and significant delays.

Operations at the airport's domestic terminal were halted to search for the scissors, and passengers who had already passed through security had to undergo the checks again. The incident's timing was particularly unfortunate, coinciding with many travellers' attempts to return home from Japan's annual Bon holiday.



Despite thorough searches on Saturday, the scissors were not found until the following day. They were discovered by a store employee in the same shop from which they had gone missing. Hokkaido Airport, the operator of New Chitose, verified the finding on Monday before making an official announcement.

Travellers expressed frustration and concerns over the disruption.

"I don't think we have any choice but to wait," one stranded passenger told local media.

Another added, "It never ends. And I don't feel safe until I get home."

The ministry of land, infrastructure, transport, and tourism has requested that Hokkaido Airports investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences. Hokkaido Airport acknowledged the shortcomings in its storage and management systems and pledged to ensure stricter practices. They recognized the potential link to threats such as hijacking or terrorism.

The airport's prompt response received praise on social media platforms like X.

"This incident showcased the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its manuals!" one user commented.

Another user added, "It made me realize once again that New Chitose Airport is a safe airport to use."

New Chitose Airport, one of Japan's busiest, handles over 15 million passengers annually and serves the world's second-most traveled domestic air route between Tokyo and Sapporo. Although the scissors incident disrupted many travel plans, it highlighted the stringent security protocols that contribute to the safety of Japan's aviation industry.