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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.