BREAKING: Lithuania has closed Vilnius Airport for the third consecutive night due to balloons flying in from Belarus, marking a significant escalation in air safety concerns. The temporary shutdown, effective from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., impacted approximately 47 flights as officials scramble to address the growing threat.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday evening that the balloons, believed to be used for smuggling cigarettes, pose a serious risk to air travel. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene accused the Belarusian government of allowing these balloons to “run wild,” significantly disrupting local aviation operations.
This latest incident follows a worrying trend of helium-filled balloons entering Lithuanian airspace from the Belarusian border. Earlier reports indicated that over 250 balloons crossed into Lithuania in just one month back in September 2024. The prime minister revealed that the latest wave of balloons had already led to closures at Kaunas Airport, further compounding the crisis.
In her statement, Ruginiene emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are temporarily closing our borders with Belarus as our security council convenes on Monday to discuss the next steps.” The escalation of balloon incursions has prompted Lithuania to seek immediate solutions, including calls for tech companies and defense contractors to propose tracking and neutralizing methods for these airborne threats.
This week, local officials reported a dramatic increase in balloon sightings, with “several hundred markers” detected in a single night, indicating a possible smuggling operation. These balloons are often equipped with GPS trackers and SIM cards, allowing their cargo to be monitored.
Lithuania’s concerns echo broader tensions within NATO, as airspace violations from Russia and Belarus have intensified over the past year. The alliance remains on high alert following a series of drone incursions over Poland, with similar incidents reported by other NATO allies, including Denmark.
In a troubling parallel, balloon incursions are not unique to Lithuania. In summer 2024, South Korea accused North Korea of deploying hundreds of trash-filled balloons, a tactic seen as a form of gray warfare. The strategy of using balloons for smuggling and propaganda raises significant geopolitical concerns, prompting discussions on international security measures.
Lithuanian authorities stress the importance of addressing this issue promptly, as over 100 individuals have been arrested for air smuggling this year, with 20 convictions already secured. The situation remains fluid, and developments are expected as the security council deliberates on further action against the balloon incursions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds, with officials urging vigilance and preparedness for potential further disruptions.
