A missing pair of scissors at Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport boarding gate caused the suspension of movement for about two hours on Saturday morning, leaving Thirty six flights and 201 delayed.
According to BBC report, there were queues as passengers in the departure lounge were forced to retake security checks.
Authorities tried to locate the missing scissors, but it was later located at the same office the next day.
The operator of the airport announced on Monday that the scissors had been found by a worker at the store on Sunday.
Authorities explained that they held off on making the announcement until they had confirmed that the scissors were the same as the ones that were lost.
Many travellers affected by the cancellations and delays were flying home after Japan’s annual Bon holiday.
In an interview with Local Media one of the travelers said, “I don’t think we have any choice (but to wait) But I do hope they are bit more careful about it.”
Another traveller said there were “So many things to worry about these days… it never ends. And I don’t feel safe until I get home.”
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has asked Hokkaido Airports to investigate the cause and prevent it from happening again.
“We recognise that this occurred as a result of insufficient storage and management systems at the store,” Hokkaido Airport said. “We are aware that this is also an incident that could be linked to hijacking or terrorism, and will once again work to ensure thorough management awareness.”
