Vilnius airport operations restricted due to suspected contraband balloons

Vilnius International Airport temporarily suspended operations on Sunday after navigation signals characteristic of contraband balloons were detected in the vicinity.

The restriction lasted just over an hour and was lifted at 1:46 a.m., allowing the airport to resume normal activity. Three flights were affected by the disruption, according to airport authorities.

Lithuanian Airports said the temporary airspace restrictions were introduced at 12:33 a.m. due to “navigation markings observed in high-risk aviation areas that are typical of balloons.” The decision was taken as a precautionary measure.

Passengers whose flights were delayed or cancelled are advised to contact their airlines directly. Additional delays may occur on Sunday and Monday because of disrupted crew and aircraft rotations, the airport operator said.

This is the fourth time Vilnius Airport has restricted operations this year due to the threat of contraband balloons. The most recent incident occurred last Saturday, when restrictions lasted just over 15 minutes.

In mid-December 2024, the Lithuanian government declared a state of emergency over the balloon incursions, which also led to temporary closure of parts of the border with Belarus. Lithuanian officials have described the balloon incursions as a hybrid attack by Minsk.