Balloons from Belarus Disrupt Flights at Vilnius Airport

Flights at Lithuania’s main airport were disrupted for two consecutive nights due to suspected sightings of balloons allegedly used for smuggling cigarettes from Belarus. The incidents caused significant operational challenges at Vilnius Airport, prompting authorities to convene discussions on potential responses.

On the evening of March 23, 2024, air traffic was suspended at 9:35 p.m., with operations not resuming until 3:30 a.m. the following morning. This led to four flight cancellations and seven diversions. A similar disruption occurred the previous night, affecting both Vilnius and Kaunas Airport. The two airports collectively reported a total of ten cancellations and four diversions as a result of the balloon sightings. These incidents follow a pattern of disruptions that have been occurring since early March.

In response to the balloon incidents, Lithuania’s border crossings with Belarus at Medininkai and Šalčininkai were closed for several hours. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has indicated that the government may need to consider extending the closure of the border with Belarus. She has also signaled the potential for implementing stricter penalties for those involved in smuggling activities.

Ruginienė has scheduled a meeting of Lithuania’s National Security Commission to address the ongoing issue and to evaluate possible measures. The government has communicated that activities disrupting key facilities, such as airports, will result in a strong response from Lithuanian authorities.

The head of Lithuania’s border guard mentioned to public broadcaster LRT that since the balloons were first reported in 2023, there has been no evidence of them being used for anything other than transporting illegal cigarettes. This pattern raises concerns about the broader implications for national security, especially given Lithuania’s position as a member of both the European Union and NATO.

Lithuania shares a border with Belarus, a country allied with Russia, and is situated on the eastern flank of the Western alliance. The heightened tensions resulting from these smuggling incidents may lead to more stringent border controls and increased surveillance in the region.

Authorities are taking these developments seriously, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to address the rising trend of smuggling activities involving balloons. The government aims to ensure that such incidents do not compromise the safety and security of Lithuanian airspace and borders.