Event 2cd2da16-c989-4581-9066-7f43b3721106

Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker

Status: Approved Confidence: High Classification: Military & Paramilitary Operations > Unconventional / Paramilitary > Use of 'little green men' (unmarked soldiers) Country: Lithuania Where: Airspace Node: Node 1: Borders Tag: Vilnius Airport Tag: flight disruptions Tag: smugglers' balloons Tag: Belarus hybrid attack Tag: balloon incursions Tag: Lithuanian airspace Tag: border security Tag: hybrid warfare Aggressor Confidence: High

Source: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2765069/vilnius-air ...

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Event Time

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Created

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Updated

Summary

Headline: Vilnius Airport resumes operations after three overnight halts caused by smugglers’ balloons from Belarus

Short Summary: Vilnius Airport resumed operations on December 4 after three overnight closures caused by smugglers' balloons launched from Belarus disrupted flights and affected 3,100 passengers.

Description

Vilnius Airport reopened early on December 4, 2025, at 02:30 UTC after three overnight shutdowns triggered by balloons carrying contraband launched from Belarus crossing into Lithuanian airspace. The airport first halted flights at 19:36 on December 3, reopened at 21:06, but closed again at 22:24, resuming only after midnight at 01:15, with full flight operations restarting at 02:30. The temporary airspace restrictions disrupted 27 flights and affected about 3,100 passengers. Five flights were diverted to Kaunas Airport, where passengers were bused to Vilnius. Seventeen flights were delayed and five cancelled. Further delays remain possible due to crew and aircraft rotations. Lithuanian authorities say these balloon incursions are part of a hybrid operation by Belarus, which has previously forced airport closures and led to closing of border checkpoints. Prime Minister Inga Rugienienė has warned the border may close again indefinitely if the 'hybrid attack' continues.

Event Classification

Aggressor Event

Rationale

The article explicitly reports hostile actions by Belarus using contraband balloons that forced multiple airport closures and border checkpoint shutdowns, constituting hybrid warfare tactics impacting Lithuanian airspace and infrastructure.

Evidence

Quotes

“Vilnius airspace reopened at 02:30 on December 4,” Lithuania Airports (LTOU) said in a statement.

“Flights were first halted at 19:36 Wednesday after balloons carrying contraband crossed into Lithuanian airspace.”

“LTOU said the temporary airspace restrictions disrupted 27 flights and affected about 3,100 passengers.”

“Five flights were diverted to Kaunas Airport, where passengers were bused to Vilnius; 17 were delayed and five cancelled,” the company said.

“Prime Minister Inga Rugienienė has warned the government may close the border again at any time and for an unlimited period if Belarus’ 'hybrid attack' persists.”

“Lithuanian officials say the ongoing balloon incursions are part of a hybrid operation directed by Minsk.”

Source

https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2765069/vilnius-airport-resumes-operations-after-3-overnight-halts-delays-possible