Vilnius Airport was closed for two-and-a-half hours overnight after Lithuanian radar systems detected five objects similar to smuggling balloons in the country’s airspace. The balloons' trajectory intersected with flight paths, particularly northwest of Vilnius where aircraft make their approach turn before landing, posing a high risk. Six flights affecting around 900 passengers were disrupted: one cancelled, one delayed, and four diverted. Authorities suspect the contraband balloons crossed into Lithuania from Belarus. Lithuania last experienced such disruptions in mid-May and declared a nationwide emergency at the end of 2025 due to repeated incidents involving balloons carrying illegal cigarettes from Belarus. Lithuania has raised these recurring balloon incursions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Vilnius Airport was closed for two-and-a-half hours overnight after Lithuanian radar systems detected five objects similar to smuggling balloons in the country’s airspace. The balloons' trajectory intersected with flight paths, particularly northwest of Vilnius where aircraft make their approach turn before landing, posing a high risk. Six flights affecting around 900 passengers were disrupted: one cancelled, one delayed, and four diverted. Authorities suspect the contraband balloons crossed into Lithuania from Belarus. Lithuania last experienced such disruptions in mid-May and declared a nationwide emergency at the end of 2025 due to repeated incidents involving balloons carrying illegal cigarettes from Belarus. Lithuania has raised these recurring balloon incursions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).