Latvian carrier airBaltic plans to return to its regular flight schedule from Lithuanian airports for the upcoming summer season after advancing the departure times of two routes last November due to the threat posed by contraband balloons.
Although disruptions to Lithuanian airspace have decreased, the airline said it may adjust schedules again if necessary.
According to airBaltic spokesman Augustas Zilbertas, the Krakow–Vilnius route, which was brought forward and later suspended in November, will resume evening operations during the summer season.
“The route is operated on a seasonal basis and will be renewed for the upcoming summer season. As it is not operated during the winter, no additional schedule changes are planned for this route,” Zilbertas said in a comment to BNS.
The airline’s schedule shows that flights between Krakow and Vilnius are set to resume on May 29. On that date, the aircraft is scheduled to land at Vilnius Airport at 17:20. Through the end of August, the route will operate twice weekly, with arrivals in Vilnius at 23:50.
While the airline continued operating flights from Krakow during the winter season, aircraft landed in Vilnius at 17:40 starting November 20, instead of just after midnight as previously scheduled.
Meanwhile, a Saturday flight from Munich to Vilnius that was advanced last November will continue operating at the earlier time through the end of March. The aircraft will land in Vilnius at 18:55 instead of 22:15, the spokesman said.
“The adjusted winter schedule for Saturday flights from Munich remains in effect until the end of the winter aviation season. From the start of the summer season through the end of October, Saturday flights on this route are expected to arrive in Vilnius at noon,” Zilbertas told BNS.
According to the published timetable, airBaltic will operate three Saturday flights per day from Munich to Vilnius through the end of March, with one landing at the earlier time of 18:55. Beginning in April, four flights are scheduled, arriving at noon, 14:35, 20:50 and 00:30.
Zilbertas said scheduling decisions are made based on airspace availability, aircraft rotation and seasonal demand.
“Although disruptions at airports have decreased, we continuously assess operational factors to ensure reliable and efficient service for our passengers,” he said.
Moreover, the Finnish airline Finnair will resume flights between Vilnius and Helsinki on March 1. The flights had been suspended since December due to airport disruptions amid smuggler balloon threat.
As the balloons disrupted operations at Vilnius Airport, tour operator Join UP! Baltic moved its charter flights to Egypt from Vilnius to Kaunas from December 17 through the end of March 2026.
Vilnius Airport has been temporarily closed twice this year due to the threat posed by smuggler balloons.
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