Japan Monitoring Situation Surrounding Revocation of Taiwan President’s Flight Permit by 3 Island Countries

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:00 JST, April 24, 2026

Following the revocation of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s flight permits by three island countries in the Indian Ocean, Japan has been monitoring the circumstances and examining whether their behavior would affect the freedom of overflight under international law.

If pressure from China is the true cause of the revocation, as suggested by Taiwan, it would set a precedent that the international aviation network was used for political intimidation, hindering the freedom of overflight.

Lai was scheduled to visit Eswatini on Wednesday via a presidential plane, but his flight permits were revoked by Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, which are located along the planned route.

“It is important to ensure aviation safety, which is a common interest of the international community,” said Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara on Thursday at a press conference. “To that end, [the aviation administration] of all relevant countries must operate with transparency.”

In an effort to guarantee freedom of flight over international waters, U.N. specialized agency International Civil Aviation Organization establishes flight information regions (FIRs) around the airspace of member states, requiring states to provide weather information, altitude instructions and other such information of their FIR.

The three countries effectively refused to carry out these air traffic control duties.

It is the first time a president of Taiwan has had to cancel an entire overseas trip due to the inability to access airspace.

Lai’s route reportedly involved flying over international waters near these countries.

It was reported that a Taiwan official said China pressured the three countries, threatening economic sanctions including revoking debt relief.

The Chinese side denies the claims but expressed appreciation for the move.

A Japanese government official said, “Each country must keep sending the message that weaponizing air traffic based on political motives will not be tolerated.”