Vilnius Airport reopened early Thursday after three overnight shutdowns triggered by smugglers’ balloons launched from Belarus, Lithuanian authorities said.
“Vilnius airspace reopened at 02:30 on December 4,” Lithuania Airports (LTOU) said in a statement.
Flights were first halted at 19:36 Wednesday after balloons carrying contraband crossed into Lithuanian airspace. The airport reopened at 21:06 but closed again at 22:24, resuming operations after midnight, at 12:56.
A third closure followed at 01:15, with flights resuming at 02:30.
LTOU said the temporary airspace restrictions disrupted 27 flights and affected about 3,100 passengers.
“Five flights were diverted to Kaunas Airport, where passengers were bused to Vilnius; 17 were delayed and five were cancelled,” the company said.
Further delays are possible Thursday due to disrupted crew and aircraft rotations.
Weather balloons used by cigarette smugglers from Belarus have repeatedly forced temporary closures at Vilnius Airport in recent months and once at Kaunas Airport.
The incursions prompted Lithuania to shut its two remaining operational border checkpoints with Belarus on October 30. The crossings reopened November 20, but Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has warned the government may close the border again at any time and for an unlimited period if Belarus’ “hybrid attack” persists.
Lithuanian officials say the ongoing balloon incursions are part of a hybrid operation directed by Minsk.
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