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Authorities have decided to shoot down aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, an NCMC spokesman said, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

European Context

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, during current period.