Two Lithuanian airports shut after balloons enter from Belarus, 3rd incident this month

This is the third time the airports have been shut in a month due to balloons entering from the neighbouring country again.

Published on: Oct 25, 2025, 24:25:50 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Lithuania's Vilnius and Kaunas airports were closed on Friday due to meteorological weather balloons flying in from Belarus, the country's transport ministry has said, according to Reuters.

In this undated photo released by the State Border Guard Service, an officer inspects a balloon used to carry cigarettes into Lithuania, because Belarussian smugglers often use them to ferry the contraband into the European Union. (AP)

This is the third time the airports have been shut in a month due to balloons entering from the neighbouring country again.

Earlier this week on Tuesday, some 30 flights and more than 4,000 passengers were affected when dozens of helium weather balloons drifted towards the Vilnius Airport, according to Reuters.

Lithuania had also shut both border crossings with Belarus, an ally of Russia, after the incidents.

Prior to that, air traffic was stopped at the airport on October 4 after a series of balloons were seen heading toward Vilnius Airport.

According to Bloomberg, contraband-laden balloons are a frequent occurrence along the border with Belarus as smugglers send cheap cigarettes into the European Union’s black market.

The balloons can ascend to high altitudes and disrupt border radar, but they lack navigation systems and their landing sites are unpredictable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Lithuania

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.