By Lilit Marcus, CNN
(CNN) — Traffic at one of Japan’s busiest airports recently came to a standstill when a pair of scissors went missing.
Concerns about the scissors – which had been used in a shop in the waiting area of a domestic flight’s departure lounge – led to an hours-long security search at New Chitose Airport (CTS), which serves the Sapporo region on the northern island of Hokkaido.
According to the airport, 36 flights were cancelled on August 17 and another 201 were delayed as a result of the search operation.
There were fears that a potential terrorist might have taken the scissors and used them as a weapon on board an aircraft. Eventually, the airport said, the tools were found and flight operations could resume.
“We are aware that the incident occurred due to inadequate usage, storage and management systems on the part of the store users,” the operators of New Chitose Airport said in a statement.
“We will investigate this incident, determine its cause and prevent a recurrence. We will also reiterate that this incident could be related to a hijacking or terrorist attack and we will ensure that all airport staff are fully aware of the importance of management.”
Among those affected by the security problems was the Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet, which missed its performance at the annual Rising Sun music festival in Hokkaido due to a flight cancellation.
“We will definitely take revenge!!”, said a statement from the band on the event’s website, while the festival itself announced that it would not offer refunds on ticket prices.
Many travelers vented their frustration on the Internet.
“I was in tears because my flight was cancelled because someone lost a pair of scissors,” wrote one passenger on X.
“Because of this incident, my flight was cancelled and the reunion with my family that I was so looking forward to was cut short. This is a huge disappointment,” wrote another.
Others welcomed the fact that the airport was taking the possible scissors theft seriously.
“As a passenger, I am grateful that they are taking such thorough measures to ensure safety,” posted one X user.
The-CNN-Wire
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