Last Saturday (August 17), Sapporo-Chitose Airport on Hokkaido Island was closed for several hours suspended traffic. The reason was scissors that disappeared from one of the shops at the airport, the Japanese broadcaster reported NHK. There were concerns that the scissors could be used in a potential attack on the plane. As a result, a search was ordered and passenger security checks were temporarily suspended.
Search for missing scissors at Japanese airport. They were found in the place from which they were supposed to disappear
As a result, 36 were canceled. flightsand 201 took off late. Hundreds of people were stranded at the airport. Sapporo-Chitose is one of the country's busiest airports. It was also busier than usual that day, as many passengers were returning from celebrating the Japanese Buddhist festival of O-good. Although the scissors were not found that day, services were eventually resumed. However, many passengers had to go through security checks again, which caused additional delays.
Earlier this week, the airport said the scissors were finally found by an employee on Sunday (August 18) in the shop from which they were supposedly missing. The airport explained that information was announced late to confirm that it was indeed the tool they were looking for. According to procedures, the scissors were to be taken out of a special compartment each time they were used.
The airport is beating its chest. Internet users praise it for its response. “It shows the safety of Japanese aviation”
“We are aware that this was due to insufficient space and management system in the store,” the airport said in a statement quoted by BBC“We are also aware that this is an incident that could be related to attempted kidnapping or terrorism. We will continue to work to ensure full awareness of management,” it added. In connection with the incident, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked the airport to investigate the cause of the incident and prevent it from happening again.
The British broadcaster notes that the airport's response has been met with approval from Internet users. Many have said that the actions taken show that Sapporo-Chitose takes safety seriously. “This incident shows the safety of Japanese aviation and the thoroughness of its procedures,” wrote one X user.