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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.