Lithuania Closes Airports for Third Night Amid Balloon Threats

UPDATE: Lithuania has announced the closure of Vilnius Airport for the third consecutive night due to balloons originating from Belarus, sparking serious air safety concerns. Authorities confirmed that these helium-filled balloons, suspected of being used for cigarette smuggling, pose a substantial threat to air traffic.

The airport shutdown occurred on Sunday evening, with operations suspended from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following morning, impacting approximately 47 flights. This drastic measure comes as Lithuanian officials reiterate their worries over increasing incursions from Belarus. In a statement, they noted, “The decision regarding airspace restrictions was made due to balloons flying in the direction of Vilnius Airport.”

Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has condemned the Belarusian government, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, for allowing these balloons to “run wild.” She indicated that a significant number of these balloons have been launched from Belarus, leading to multiple airport closures, including one at Kaunas Airport.

Earlier reports indicate that this week, local authorities detected “several hundred markers” in the airspace, prompting earlier airport suspensions. In a concerning trend, Lithuania reported that 250 balloons crossed into its territory in September 2024 alone, highlighting the persistent issue at the border.

In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Ruginiene announced that Lithuania would temporarily close its borders with Belarus as the security council convenes on Monday to assess the next steps. The prime minister emphasized the growing threat posed by these balloons, which are often equipped with GPS trackers and SIM cards for monitoring their cargo.

Lithuania has faced ongoing challenges with balloon incursions, particularly as the Baltic states contend with increased airspace violations from Russia and its ally Belarus. The situation reflects broader security concerns within NATO, especially following a series of drone incursions reported over Poland and other allied nations in recent weeks.

Lithuanian authorities have called on technology firms and defense contractors to propose solutions for tracking and neutralizing these balloons. This urgent plea underscores the gravity of the situation, as air smuggling incidents have risen, with over 100 arrests related to air smuggling this year alone.

As the situation develops, Lithuania’s government is under pressure to secure its airspace, which has become increasingly vulnerable to such incursions. The international community is watching closely, as the implications of these balloon flights extend beyond national security, affecting regional stability in Eastern Europe.

Stay tuned for further updates as Lithuania continues to navigate this precarious situation, with implications not only for air travel but also for the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.