Bear on Runway Forces Flight Cancellations at Japan's Yamagata Airport

HIGASHINE, JAPAN – Flights at Japan's Yamagata Airport were disrupted on Thursday after a black bear was spotted roaming the runway. The unexpected visitor led to the cancellation of several flights, causing delays and inconvenience for travelers. The bear was seen traversing both the grassy areas adjacent to the tarmac and the runway itself. Airport officials immediately initiated efforts to safely remove the animal, setting up traps near the runway in an attempt to capture it. Despite these measures, the bear remained at large. “We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of passengers and staff,” an airport official stated, confirming the ongoing efforts to secure the area. “Our priority is to safely capture the bear and prevent further disruptions.” As of Friday, flights departing from and arriving at Yamagata Airport have resumed normal operations, although the traps are still in place as a precautionary measure. The incident highlights the challenges of wildlife management in areas close to human activity.