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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of 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 the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, 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: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

European Context

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.