HOKKAIDO, Japan. New Chitose Airport (CTS), one of Japan’s busiest hubs serving the Sapporo area on Hokkaido Island, experienced significant disruptions recently when a pair of scissors went missing, prompting a lengthy security search.
The scissors, which had been used in a store located in the departure waiting area for domestic flights, were discovered missing on August 17. Fears that the scissors could be used as a weapon led to an hours-long search, halting traffic at the airport. During the search, 36 flights were canceled and 201 others were delayed.
The airport authorities expressed their concerns about the missing item in a statement: “We are aware that the incident occurred due to the lack of proper usage, storage, and management systems by the store users. We will investigate this incident, determine its cause, and prevent its recurrence. We will also reaffirm that this incident could relate to hijacking and terrorist attack, and we will ensure that all airport personnel are fully aware of the importance of management.”
Flights resumed after the scissors were eventually located. The incident had broader impacts, including disrupting Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet’s performance at the annual Rising Sun music festival in Hokkaido. The band, whose flight was canceled, expressed their frustration: “We will definitely get our revenge!!” The festival organizers announced that ticket refunds would not be issued.
Travelers took to social media to share their frustrations and sentiments. One passenger tweeted, “I feel like crying because my flight was canceled due to someone losing a pair of scissors.” Another lamented, “Because of this incident, the flight I was supposed to take was canceled, and now my reunion with my family I was looking forward to has been shortened. It’s a major disappointment.”
Despite the inconveniences, some travelers appreciated the thorough safety measures taken by the airport. One user remarked, “As a passenger, I’m grateful that they take such thorough measures to ensure safety.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
