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Lithuania will begin to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

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

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, during current period.