One of Japan’s busiest airports, New Chitose Airport (CTS), serving the Sapporo area on the northern island of Hokkaido, experienced significant travel disruptions on August 17 when a pair of scissors went missing. This seemingly minor incident led to hours of chaos, flight cancellations, and delays, impacting thousands of travelers.
The Missing Scissors and Resulting Security Search
The missing scissors were first reported from a store in the departure waiting area of the airport, within the domestic flight section. Airport authorities, fearing that the scissors could have been stolen by a potential terrorist and used as a weapon on board, took immediate action. This resulted in a massive security search across the airport, effectively halting flight operations.
New Chitose Airport’s security team was under heightened alert given the potential safety risk. With concerns about a possible hijacking or terrorist attack, the search for the scissors became a top priority. After hours of searching, the scissors were finally found, allowing flights to resume, but not before causing major disruptions.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
During the search, a total of 36 flights were canceled, and another 201 flights were delayed, causing widespread frustration among passengers. Many travelers were stranded at the airport for hours, waiting for the situation to be resolved.
Impact on Travelers
The incident affected a broad range of travelers, including the Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet, who missed their performance at the annual Rising Sun music festival in Hokkaido due to their flight being canceled. The band expressed their disappointment in a statement on the festival’s website, vowing to “get their revenge” in future performances.
Travelers also took to social media to express their frustration. Many were upset about the canceled flights and the impact on their plans, with one passenger lamenting the shortening of a long-anticipated family reunion. However, despite the inconvenience, some appreciated the thoroughness of the airport’s safety measures, recognizing the importance of ensuring that no potential security threats were overlooked.
Airport’s Response
In response to the incident, New Chitose Airport’s operators issued a statement acknowledging the failure in the store’s usage, storage, and management systems that led to the scissors going missing. They pledged to investigate the cause of the incident thoroughly and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The airport emphasized the serious implications of the incident, particularly in relation to potential hijacking or terrorism, and committed to enhancing safety management practices for all personnel.
Conclusion
The missing scissors incident at New Chitose Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of strict security protocols in ensuring the safety of travelers. While the incident caused significant disruptions, the airport’s swift and thorough response highlighted its commitment to preventing any potential threats, no matter how minor they may initially seem.