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Lithuania Suspends Vilnius Airport Amid Smuggling Balloon Threat

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lithuania suspended air traffic at Vilnius Airport on October 21 after weather balloons used for cigarette smuggling from Belarus were detected in its airspace.
The National Crisis Management Centre said operations were disrupted by these balloons.
Eight incoming flights were redirected to Kaunas and Warsaw airports.
Vilnius Airport also closed on October 5 for a similar reason, and the disruption follows drone sightings and air incursions at Copenhagen and Munich airports.

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Story summary

Lithuania suspended air traffic at Vilnius Airport on October 21 after weather balloons used for cigarette smuggling from Belarus were detected in its airspace.
The National Crisis Management Centre said operations were disrupted by these balloons.
Eight incoming flights were redirected to Kaunas and Warsaw airports.
Vilnius Airport also closed on October 5 for a similar reason, and the disruption follows drone sightings and air incursions at Copenhagen and Munich airports.