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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.