UPDATE: Lithuania has closed Vilnius Airport for the third consecutive night as balloons from Belarus continue to invade its airspace, triggering urgent safety concerns. The latest airport closure occurred on Sunday, October 15, 2023, with operations halted from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., impacting approximately 47 flights.
Lithuanian officials have reported that these helium-filled balloons, suspected of being used for cigarette smuggling, pose a significant air safety threat. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene blamed Belarusian authorities, stating they have allowed these balloons to “run wild” across the border.
In a statement released Sunday evening, authorities confirmed the temporary suspension of airspace around Vilnius Airport, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “The decision regarding airspace restrictions was made due to balloons flying in the direction of Vilnius Airport,” the statement noted.
This incident follows a series of similar reports over the past week, revealing a troubling trend of balloon incursions from Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Prime Minister Ruginiene described the situation as alarming, declaring that a “large group of smuggling meteorological balloons” had been launched into Lithuania. She also confirmed that Kaunas Airport faced closures due to the same threat.
Lithuania has been grappling with the challenge of balloons from Belarus for some time. In September 2024 alone, border authorities reported that 250 balloons crossed into Lithuanian airspace in just one month. This week’s events mark a significant escalation, with local officials detecting “several hundred markers” in a single night, further raising alarms about air safety.
The Lithuanian government is taking immediate action, temporarily closing its borders with Belarus as the national security council convenes on Monday to devise next steps. Authorities have also called on technology firms and defense contractors to propose solutions for tracking and neutralizing these balloons.
Lithuania’s ongoing struggle reflects broader tensions in the region, as NATO allies remain on high alert following drone incursions, particularly over Poland, attributed to Russian activity in the area. The situation underscores the growing complexity of security in Eastern Europe, where airspace violations have become increasingly common.
In addition to air safety concerns, this balloon crisis brings a human element to the forefront, as authorities stress the need for decisive action to protect citizens and travelers. More than 100 individuals have been arrested for air smuggling this year, with 20 already convicted for related offenses.
As tensions escalate, Lithuania’s proactive measures will be crucial in addressing the balloon incursions and ensuring the safety of its airspace. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
