An airport in Okinawa, Japan was forced to shut down its security gates for an hour on Monday, delaying dozens of flights, and forcing some 6,300 passengers to retake security checks, after three women from China ventured into secure areas without going through inspections.

The women were passing time off while waiting for their connecting flight to Tokyo at Naha airport and were looking for duty-free shops when they wandered off.

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They got lost and ended up at the baggage reclaiming area and at the departure gates.

Japanese newspaper Ryuku Shimpo reports, when the airport personnel found out about the security breach, they instructed ground crewmembers to repeat their security checks on more than 6,000 passengers lining up at the airport counters.

Five flights were grounded and 25 others were delayed as a result of the incident.

Authorities have not revealed the identities of the women who figured in the mess.

The event is the latest in a spate of controversies involving Chinese tourists who supposedly display inappropriate behaviors when traveling overseas.

Last month, a Chinese passenger had opened an airplane's emergency door to be able to breathe fresh air.

The trip was delayed for one hour as a result of the woman's action.

Last December, a Chinese passenger had also thrown hot water at a cabin attendant, while inside an aircraft that was heading to Nanjing from Bangkok.

The airliner was forced to turn back to Bangkok.

The incident in Japan that temporarily closed an airport's security gates has stirred heated exchanges on social media in China.

Some netizens say the three women had embarassed China and that they should be banned from traveling abroad.

China's State Tourism Administration is set to distribute to travel companies a compilation of Chinese travelers who behaved badly in foreign countries.

Chinese tourists regard Japan as a favorite destination due to its relatively easy visa requirements and strong exchange rates.

Japan's high quality products also attract many Chinese travelers.

Tagsflight delay, airport shutdown