Why Was Vilnius Airport Closed Due to Cigarette-Smuggling Balloons?
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Synopsis
In an unusual incident, Vilnius airport was forced to close after multiple cigarette-smuggling balloons disrupted air traffic. This situation stranded thousands of passengers and led to significant operational challenges, raising concerns over cross-border smuggling activities and national security. What actions will Lithuania take next?
Key Takeaways
- Vilnius airport was closed overnight due to cigarette-smuggling balloons.
- 30 flights were canceled, stranding 4,000 passengers.
- The incident has prompted an investigation by the NCMC.
- Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has demanded immediate solutions.
- This is not the first occurrence of such incidents at the airport.
Vilnius, Oct 22 (NationPress) The airport in Vilnius, Lithuania, was closed overnight after numerous cigarette-smuggling balloons were detected in its airspace, as reported by the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC).
The airport's operations were halted from 10:30 PM on Tuesday until 6:30 AM on Wednesday, causing the cancellation of 30 flights and leaving 4,000 passengers stranded, according to information from the airport, as per Euro News.
Flights that were meant to land at the airport were rerouted to other destinations, including Warsaw and Kaunas airport in Lithuania.
In a statement, the NCMC explained, "Operations have been disrupted due to weather balloons being used for smuggling cigarettes from Belarus." The center also indicated that Lithuania's border with Belarus was secured following the sightings of the balloons.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene held Belarus accountable for the situation and announced a meeting of the National Security Committee at 1:30 PM to address the matter.
Ruginiene stated, "This morning I already demanded that everyone come with concrete solutions. We must discuss this situation immediately and we must find — not debate, but find — what to do."
"I would very much like Belarus to take responsibility for these incidents," she emphasized.
The NCMC confirmed that an investigation is underway concerning the incident and noted that the balloons were not launched from a single location.
This is not the first time that the airport in Vilnius has faced closure; on October 5, the airport was also shut down due to similar cigarette-smuggling balloons.
At that time, Lithuanian authorities reported discovering at least 11 balloons with 18,000 packs of black-market cigarettes.
The recent closure of Vilnius airport follows similar incidents in Copenhagen, Munich, and other European airports due to drone sightings. The EU has accused Russia of engaging in disruptive hybrid warfare, a claim that Moscow continues to deny.
Point of View
I believe it's essential for Lithuania to maintain its integrity and security against such illegal activities. The recurring incidents of smuggling using balloons highlight a significant vulnerability in our border security. It's crucial that we address these challenges with effective solutions and hold accountable those who threaten our national interests.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the closure of Vilnius airport?
The closure was caused by the sighting of numerous cigarette-smuggling balloons in the airport's airspace.
How many flights were canceled due to this incident?
A total of 30 flights were canceled, affecting approximately 4,000 passengers.
What actions are being taken regarding this incident?
An investigation has been initiated, and a meeting of the National Security Committee is scheduled to discuss the issue.
Has Vilnius airport faced similar closures before?
Yes, Vilnius airport was previously closed on October 5 due to similar incidents involving cigarette-smuggling balloons.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
This incident raises concerns about cross-border smuggling activities and highlights the need for enhanced security measures.
