A front-line NATO ally says balloons from Belarus keep forcing it to close airports

"Balloons flying in from Belarus have prompted officials in Lithuania to close local airports for a third night in a row. Authorities said in a statement on Sunday evening that the airspace around Vilnius Airport had been temporarily suspended, affecting some 47 flights from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the next morning. "According to initial information, the decision regarding airspace restrictions was made due to balloons flying in the direction of Vilnius Airport," the statement said."

"In a statement on Saturday, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said a "large group of smuggling meteorological balloons" had been launched from Belarus and into her country. Another airport, in Kaunas, had to be closed as a result, she said. The prime minister added that the balloons are likely used for smuggling cigarettes, but blamed the Russia-aligned leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, for allowing them to "run wild.""

"In a separate statement on Sunday, Rugiene said that Lithuania was temporarily closing its borders with Belarus as its security council meets on Monday to discuss next steps. Lithuania has been dealing with balloons from Belarus for some time. In September 2024, border authorities said 250 balloons had crossed over in a single month. However, the country has been raising the alarm more frequently over such incidents over the last year, as the Baltic states report repeated airspace violations from Russia, which counts Belarus among its closest allies."

Lithuania closed Vilnius and Kaunas airports multiple nights after helium-filled balloons entered its airspace from Belarus, disrupting dozens of flights. Authorities suspended Vilnius airspace from 9:42 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., affecting about 47 flights. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said a large group of smuggling meteorological balloons had been launched from Belarus and that the devices are likely used to smuggle cigarettes. The government temporarily closed the land border with Belarus and convened its security council to decide next steps. Lithuania noted prior months with high balloon crossings and broader regional airspace concerns linked to Russia and Belarus.

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