Lithuanian authorities announced on Sunday evening, Nov. 30, the suspension of all flights through the capital’s airport after balloons were detected in its airspace.
According to Saulius Batavičius, director of the air navigation company Oro Navigacija, a total of 60 balloons were spotted, 40 of which were in critical areas for the traffic to Vilnius Airport.
The restrictions were lifted on Monday, at 5:00 a.m. local time (3:00 a.m. UTC). Lasting nearly 11 hours, the incident affected 7,400 passengers and 50 flights, Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) reported to national media. Of those 50 flights, 31 were cancelled, 10 were diverted, and nine were delayed.
Passengers were instructed to contact their airlines for more information.
What are these balloons?
Balloons entering Lithuania from Belarus — the border is 30 km from the airport — have caused the airport to shut down four times in the past week and at least 10 times since early October.
Originally intended for meteorologists’ use, the high-altitude balloons have been repurposed, according to the Lithuanian government, to smuggle cigarettes into the Baltic nation. A single balloon can carry up to 1,500 packs, with each costing less than one euro — a legal packet sells for an average of 4.5 to 6 euros in Lithuania.
The devices fly in the direction of the wind, but their altitude can be controlled remotely. Authorities say they cross the border at about 3 to 4 km above ground, which can interfere with jetliners approaching the airport and potentially cause collisions.
Lithuania-Belarus border tensions
Following a wave of balloon incidents in October, the Lithuanian government shut down the two remaining border crossings with Belarus and had reopened them just last week.
It has accused the Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of enabling the smuggling, and described the ongoing situation as a “hybrid attack” on the EU nation.
Also a NATO member, Lithuania has threatened to call for Article 4 consultations should the incursions continue.
Lukashenko has rejected responsibility and called Lithuania’s border closures a “crazy scam”.
Were you affected by the airport’s shutdown? Share your experience in the comments below.
