Vilnius Airport in Lithuania was forced to shut down for several hours after dozens of balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes entered the country’s airspace, causing major flight disruptions.
According to the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC), at least 25 meteorological balloons were detected floating into Lithuania from neighboring Belarus. Two of them drifted directly over Vilnius Airport, prompting immediate safety concerns.
Airport officials said the incident caused the cancellation of 30 flights, leaving around 6,000 passengers stranded. Authorities warned that delays could continue into Monday as airlines worked to reschedule flights and accommodate affected travelers.
The unusual incident highlighted the growing use of unconventional methods for smuggling. The balloons were reportedly loaded with thousands of cigarette packs, a trade that has become a recurring issue in Eastern Europe due to differences in taxation and pricing between neighboring states.
Lithuania, a member of the European Union, has strict rules on tobacco imports. The authorities have long accused Belarusian smugglers of trying to bypass border checks, often using creative means to get contraband across. This latest case, however, has raised alarm over the risks posed to public safety and aviation security.
Officials said the balloons likely originated from Belarus, a country that has been at odds with the EU over several political and trade issues. The use of balloons for smuggling is not new, but their interference with airport operations has added a new dimension to the problem.
Security experts say the disruption is a reminder of how even low-tech smuggling methods can cause large-scale consequences. “It’s not only about the cigarettes,” one analyst noted. “When these objects interfere with flight paths, they put thousands of lives at risk.”
The Lithuanian government has launched an investigation and plans to raise the issue with European authorities. Discussions are underway on whether stricter airspace monitoring systems should be introduced.
Similar challenges of unconventional security risks have been observed in South Asia, where intelligence agencies often adapt strategies to counter evolving threats. For instance, Pakistan recently confirmed that Lt Gen Asim Malik will remain ISI chief and national security adviser, underscoring how regional governments are tightening security measures in the face of cross-border challenges (read more here).
For now, Vilnius Airport is resuming limited operations, but officials caution that delays and heightened security checks may continue until the balloon threat is fully addressed.
