Vilnius Airport experienced significant disruption recently when weather balloons carrying thousands of illegal cigarettes entered Lithuanian airspace. The airport was forced to suspend operations for several hours, leading to 30 flight cancellations that affected approximately 6,000 passengers. Authorities warned of potential lingering delays.
This incident marks the latest in a series of “airspace violations” in Europe, occurring at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. The Lithuanian National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) reported that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering the country from neighboring Belarus. Two of these balloons were found directly over the airport premises.
While Moscow has denied involvement in recent security incidents, these balloon-smuggling operations are not new to the region. According to the NCMC, a substantial number of balloons carrying contraband, primarily cigarettes, have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year and last year. Similar incidents have also been reported in Latvia and Poland.
Smugglers reportedly favor weather balloons as a cheaper alternative to drones for transporting cigarettes across the border. Despite their susceptibility to weather conditions, the NCMC stated that the primary aim of law enforcement services is to intercept large quantities of contraband and apprehend those responsible, making the operation unprofitable and ensuring it does not pose a risk to civil aviation.
The incident comes amidst broader concerns about airspace security in Europe, following reports of drone incursions in other countries that have prompted discussions about strengthening air defense measures.