Missing scissors cause 36 flight cancellations in Japan
A pair of missing scissors caused significant disruption at Japan's New Chitose Airport on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of 36 flights. The airport, located in the regional city of Chitose on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, requires all retail outlets to store scissors securely. This protocol was breached when an unidentified retailer reported a pair of scissors missing from its designated storage locker.
Security checks halted amid extensive search
The disappearance of the scissors triggered an extensive search operation, during which security checks for incoming passengers were suspended for a minimum of two hours. This led to long lines and denied entry for many travelers. Airport authorities were left scrambling to determine if the scissors had been taken by someone with harmful intentions, further exacerbating the situation.
Over 200 flights delayed due to missing scissors
The incident not only led to the cancellation of 36 flights but also caused delays for over 200 others. The disruption was so severe that it prevented some artists from performing at a music festival. The missing scissors were eventually found in the same shop they had disappeared from, ruling out any malicious intent behind their temporary disappearance.
Incident coincided with Japan's Obon festival
The timing of the incident was particularly unfortunate as it coincided with Japan's Obon festival, a traditional event honoring ancestors often marked by family reunions. The airport's shutdown during this period caused more than just inconvenience for those planning to travel home for the festival. Despite the chaos, it was confirmed that no digital error or technical glitch was responsible for this real-world problem.
