Passenger carries knives onto HK-Japan flight

Hong Kong International Airport failed to detect six knives in a passenger's hand luggage during a recent routine security check, letting the blades on board a flight to Japan, where they were found, according to media reports.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong airport confirmed that the incident happened on Jan 2. An inspection officer failed to carry out proper procedures, and the security company has taken disciplinary action, the spokesman said.

According to local media, the passenger flew to Japan with six serrated knives in his carry-on luggage. The knives were Swiss brand cleavers, with a total length of 28 centimeters. The blades were nearly 12 cm with wavy and sharp edges.