Vilnius Airport suspended operations on Sunday evening due to a threat posed by smugglers’ balloons, briefly reopening after midnight before flights were halted again an hour later.
“Temporary airspace restrictions were imposed over Vilnius Airport from 1.40am […] The restrictions were lifted at around 3.25am on November 24,” Lithuanian Airports said.
According to initial information, the latest suspension was triggered by navigation traces consistent with balloons drifting towards the airport.
The airport had already been closed from 6.55pm on Sunday, with traffic resuming at 12.25am on Monday.
Lithuanian Airports has warned that isolated delays may occur throughout the day due to disruption to crew and aircraft rotation.
A similar incident took place last Thursday, affecting more than 1,100 passengers and ten flights.
Lithuania recently shut its border with Belarus for around three weeks over concerns about smugglers’ balloons, reopening it last Thursday after officials reported an improved situation.
In response to the closure, Minsk barred Lithuanian lorries in Belarus from returning home until the border reopened. Despite operations resuming at the Medininkai and Šalčininkai checkpoints, Lithuanian truck drivers are still not being allowed to return.
Politicians in Vilnius describe the balloon incursions as a form of hybrid attack orchestrated by Minsk.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said last week that smugglers’ balloons had become “a new reality” for Lithuania, warning that the border could be closed again if the incidents continue.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
