Japanese Airport Shuts Down Over Missing Scissors, Causing Massive Flight Disruptions
Sapporo, Japan, August 20, 2024 – New Chitose Airport, one of Japan’s busiest hubs serving the Sapporo area, was plunged into chaos recently when a pair of scissors went missing, prompting an hours-long security lockdown. The scissors, last seen at a store in the departure waiting area of the domestic terminal, sparked concerns that they could be used as a weapon in a potential terrorist attack.
In response, airport authorities launched a comprehensive security search, leading to the cancellation of 36 flights and delays for another 201 flights. Passengers faced significant disruptions, with many expressing their frustrations online.
Despite the inconvenience, the airport defended its actions, emphasizing the importance of safety. “We will investigate this incident, determine its cause, and prevent its recurrence,” the airport operators stated, acknowledging the lack of proper management systems that allowed the scissors to go missing.
The situation also affected the Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet, which missed its performance at the Rising Sun music festival due to a flight cancellation. The band vowed to return and perform in the future, while the festival organizers announced they would not be offering ticket refunds.
While many passengers expressed disappointment over the disruptions, others appreciated the airport’s commitment to ensuring safety. After an extensive search, the missing scissors were eventually found, allowing flights to resume.
