Vilnius airport imposes temporary flight restrictions amid suspected contraband balloon activity

Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reports that Vilnius Airport briefly suspended operations early Monday after detecting navigational markers in restricted airspace consistent with contraband balloons, part of what authorities describe as a hybrid attack by Belarus.

The restrictions took effect at 2:16 AM local time on May 13, 2026, halting flights over Vilnius Airport. Operations resumed at 3:16 AM once the airspace was deemed secure. Passengers affected by cancellations or delays are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking.

Lithuanian officials have previously accused Belarus of orchestrating hybrid attacks, including smuggling operations via unmanned balloons, targeting Lithuania’s civil aviation and broader society.