(Image source from: Newscentral.africa)

As per reports, 36 flights were cancelled and 201 were delayed in the second busiest airport of the world. Japan airport, the second busiest airport, was in tension after a pair of scissors went missing from the store near the departure area. On August 17, 36 flights were cancelled and 201 flights were delayed for this reason as the search was delayed at the New Chitose Airport (CTS), which serves the Sapporo area on the northern island of Hokkaido. There was a potential threat of terrorist attack, as they can use scissors as a weapon on board a flight. Only after locating the tools of the scissors, the operations were resumed in the airport. Airport authorities have taken the incident as a serious concern over the missing scissors.

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.” said New Chitose Airport authorities according to CNN. Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet were also among the affected. They missed their performance at the annual Rising Sun Music festival in Hokkaido because of the flight cancellation. Many travellers were frustrated with the cancelled flights and took their online platforms to express their frustration.

One of the flier wrote on X, “ I feel like crying because my flight was cancelled due to someone losing a pair of scissors”, another wrote, “Because of this incident, the flight I was supposed to take was cancelled, and now my reunion with my family I was looking forward to has been shortened. It’s a major disappointment.” Few expressed their happiness as the measures were taken immediately considering the safety of passengers. One user wrote, “ I am grateful that they take such thorough measures to ensure safety”. All the passengers who already finished their security check have undergone the checking process again. The airport was packed as many travellers were returning home after Japan’s annual Bon holiday. Many passengers also felt worried and said that they never feel safe until they return home. The airport authorities have promised to take strict actions from here after and the worry was only after recognizing the potential threat for a hijack.