A Japanese airport was temporarily closed after a pair of scissors went missing.

 Recently, operations at one of Japan's busiest airports were brought to a standstill when a pair of scissors went missing. The incident occurred at New Chitose Airport (CTS), which serves the Sapporo area on Hokkaido island. The scissors, which had been used at a store in the departure waiting area for domestic flights, prompted an extensive security search.

As a result, 36 flights were canceled, and 201 others were delayed on August 17 as airport officials feared the scissors could be used as a weapon on board. After an extensive search, the missing scissors were eventually found, allowing flights to resume.

New Chitose Airport's operators acknowledged the lapse in the store's management and pledged to investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences. They emphasized the seriousness of the situation, recognizing the potential connection to hijacking or terrorism, and committed to enhancing awareness among airport personnel.

The incident also affected travelers, including the Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet, which missed its performance at the Rising Sun music festival due to a canceled flight. Many passengers expressed their frustration online, while others appreciated the airport's thorough safety measures.

Kansai International Airport also marked its 30th anniversary in 2024, adding a contrasting note to the day's events.