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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.