BREAKING: Lithuania has closed Vilnius Airport for the third consecutive night due to balloons flying from Belarus, escalating air safety concerns. This urgent action affects approximately 47 flights from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the next morning, according to officials.
Lithuanian authorities reported that these balloons, suspected to be linked to cigarette smuggling, represent a significant threat to airspace safety. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has publicly condemned Belarus for permitting these “smuggling meteorological balloons” to operate unchecked. “They are allowed to run wild,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing tension with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
The balloon incidents are not isolated. Earlier this week, Lithuanian officials noted a surge in balloon sightings—detecting “several hundred markers” in just one night. This led to earlier airport closures and increased security measures. The Lithuanian government is now considering temporary border closures with Belarus as discussions continue at the national security council.
Since September 2024, Lithuania has reported over 250 balloons crossing its borders in a single month, intensifying fears of airspace violations. The situation has prompted calls for tech companies and defense contractors to develop solutions for tracking and neutralizing these airborne threats.
This pattern of balloon incursions adds to escalating tensions in the region, which has seen increased military activity and airspace violations from Russia and its allies. The latest balloon incidents come on the heels of drone incursions reported by other NATO countries, raising alarms across Europe.
Lithuanian authorities are urging international attention to the growing threat posed by these balloons, which are often equipped with GPS trackers and SIM cards for tracking their cargo. Over 100 individuals have been arrested for air smuggling this year, with 20 convictions already secured.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities working to assess the full extent of the threat and implement necessary countermeasures. As the region grapples with these developments, the eyes of the NATO alliance are firmly on Belarus, marking a critical moment in European security.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.