🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.