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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - she added.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.