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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds 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.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, over past months.