Lithuania Suspends Airport Operations Amid Balloon Incursions from Belarus

On January 27, 2026, Vilnius Airport in Lithuania suspended operations due to the incursion of weather balloons from Belarus. The airport was closed from 19:05 to 20:05 local time after authorities detected multiple objects resembling balloons entering Lithuanian airspace. This incident marked the most significant balloon incursion recorded this year, with 42 balloons reported entering from Belarus overnight. The National Crisis Management Center stated that this was the most intensive night for balloon activity thus far, leading to heightened security measures and the temporary closure of the airport.

Vilnius Airport Closed Again Due to Weather BalloonsLithuanian Security Officials Say the Country Should Rely on Its Own Capabilities to Counter Weather BalloonsLithuania Reports Most Massive Smugglers’ Weather Balloon Incursion Since Start of the Year

Lithuania has experienced multiple disruptions at Vilnius Airport since early October 2025, with over ten closures attributed to similar balloon incursions. Lithuanian officials have suggested that these balloons are part of a smuggling operation, primarily involving the transport of cigarettes. The Lithuanian government has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of facilitating these incursions, framing them as a "hybrid attack" against Lithuania.

Vilnius Airport Closed Again Due to Weather BalloonsVilnius Airport halts flights again after suspected Belarus balloon incursionLithuanian Security Officials Say the Country Should Rely on Its Own Capabilities to Counter Weather Balloons

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys announced that the government is preparing a note of protest to Belarus regarding the violation of its airspace. He emphasized the importance of sharing information with the United States and other allies to develop concrete solutions to the ongoing issue. Budrys noted that while there are various explanations for the balloon incursions, it is essential to await further information before attributing responsibility directly to the Belarusian authorities.

Lithuania to Appeal to United States Over Weather Balloon Incursion From Belarus

Remigijus Bridikis, the director of Lithuania's Department of State Security, expressed skepticism about any changes in Belarus's policy regarding balloon incursions. He suggested that Lithuania should focus on enhancing its own capabilities to address the situation rather than relying on Belarusian actions. Bridikis indicated that the regime's interests remain unchanged, and the Lithuanian government should prioritize internal investigations into the balloon incidents.

Lithuanian Security Officials Say the Country Should Rely on Its Own Capabilities to Counter Weather Balloons

Following the latest balloon incursion, Lithuanian authorities reported the recovery of eight weather balloons and the detention of four individuals suspected of involvement in the smuggling operations. Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Center, confirmed that the balloon activity had intensified, potentially indicating a coordinated effort involving smugglers and possibly the Belarusian government.

Lithuania Reports Most Massive Smugglers’ Weather Balloon Incursion Since Start of the Year

In light of the recent balloon incursions, Lithuania plans to engage with the United States and the European Union to address the ongoing security threat. The Lithuanian government is also considering further restrictions on border crossings if such incidents persist. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations aimed at identifying the networks behind the balloon smuggling operations.

Lithuanian Security Officials Say the Country Should Rely on Its Own Capabilities to Counter Weather Balloons

• “What falls within my authority and what we are working on now is the preparation of a note of protest to Belarus regarding the violation of airspace.” — Kestutis Budrys, Lithuanian Foreign Minister

Lithuania to Appeal to United States Over Weather Balloon Incursion From Belarus

• “It is important to note that this night was probably the most intensive of the entire year — we recorded a total of 42 cases on our radars,” — Vilmantas Vitkauskas, Head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Center

Lithuania Reports Most Massive Smugglers’ Weather Balloon Incursion Since Start of the Year