Air Force Team Barred from Dubai Airshow Due to Japan's Refusal
An Air Force aerobatic team's plan to perform at the Dubai Airshow 2025 has been blocked after Japan declined a request for an intermediate refueling stop during the flight, sources revealed on Thursday.
Diplomatic Dispute Over Refueling Permission
Seoul and Tokyo had been negotiating to allow the Black Eagles, South Korea's flight display team, to refuel in Okinawa, Japan, as part of their journey to the United Arab Emirates later this month. However, Japan recently rejected the proposal.
Japan cited the Black Eagles' recent training flights near Dokdo as the reason for the refusal.
Territorial Conflict Centered on Dokdo Islets
Dokdo, a group of islets located between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, is South Korea's easternmost territory but also claimed by Japan. This longstanding territorial dispute remains a major point of diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Impact on Black Eagles' Travel Plans
- The team previously refueled in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for international airshows from 2022 to 2024.
- This year, they aimed to use Japan for refueling due to shorter flight time and reduced expenses.
- Japan's refusal left insufficient time to secure alternative refueling arrangements.
- As a result, the Black Eagles had to withdraw from the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Diplomatic Challenges Highlighted
Japan's claim over Dokdo continues to complicate diplomatic relations with South Korea, affecting cooperation in various areas including military and cultural exchanges.
“Japan's territorial claim to Dokdo has long been a key source of diplomatic friction in relations with Korea.”
Author’s summary: Japan’s rejection of refueling permission due to a territorial dispute with South Korea forced the Black Eagles to cancel their planned appearance at the Dubai Airshow 2025.