Lithuanian authorities have temporarily closed Vilnius Airport and the country’s border with Belarus following reports of suspected smuggling activity. The closures come after unidentified objects, believed to be helium balloons, were detected repeatedly over the capital this week. According to officials, these balloons are suspected to be used by cigarette smugglers attempting to evade customs controls.
This marks the fourth incident within the past week involving similar objects violating Vilnius’s airspace. Lithuanian border and aviation authorities responded swiftly to these breaches by suspending airport operations and tightening border security measures. The authorities note that the balloons pose safety concerns and could potentially be linked to ongoing smuggling operations.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the origin and purpose of the balloons. Lithuanian officials emphasize their commitment to maintaining airspace security and controlling illicit activities at the border. No injuries or accidents have been reported amid these disruptions, and authorities are working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.