Vilnius International Airport has experienced repeated operational suspensions in recent weeks due to meteorological balloons originating from Belarus. These incidents have resulted in disruptions for thousands of travelers.
Lithuanian officials have stated that while some balloons are associated with cigarette smuggling, the observed numbers and flight trajectories suggest a deliberate effort to disrupt Lithuanian operations. These events coincide with an increase in drone intrusions into NATO airspace in September and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Recent Incidents and Official Statements
On a recent Saturday night, airport operations were suspended for 11 hours. Lithuanian authorities reported that approximately 60 balloons were launched from Belarus, with 40 of these entering areas critical for aviation safety. The balloons were observed to be launched at regular intervals and directed toward runways. Taurimas Valys, Lithuania's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the situation as an "attack" on the economy and aviation security.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had previously indicated that Belarus would apologize if its involvement was confirmed. On Monday, Minsk accused Lithuania of deploying a drone into Belarusian airspace for alleged espionage and the delivery of "extremist materials." The Belarusian Foreign Ministry summoned Lithuania's chargé d'affaires, Erikas Vilkanecas, requesting an explanation and an investigation. The ministry affirmed Belarus's right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga RuginienÄ— denied any Lithuanian involvement in the alleged drone incident.
Border Management and Escalation
In October, Lithuania temporarily closed its borders with Belarus following earlier balloon-related disruptions at Vilnius airport. This action led to over 1,000 Lithuanian cargo trucks being prevented from exiting Belarus. The border was reopened within three weeks due to pressure from national logistics companies. Since the reopening, Lithuanian authorities have noted a continued increase in the number of balloons. RuginienÄ— indicated that future border closures might be considered, subject to coordination with strategic partners.
Countermeasures and Future Plans
Lithuanian authorities have allocated 1 million euros to projects aimed at mitigating these disruptions. IT Logika, one of the recipient entities, plans to develop an Intelligent Airspace Security System (IOEAS). This system is intended to detect and identify targets continuously, utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms for trajectory prediction and recognition. It would integrate real-time data from drone base stations, radars, and other geographically distributed sensors, and incorporate a high-power laser for safely neutralizing multiple balloons.
Other proposed measures include:
- Implementing stricter penalties for activities associated with cigarette smuggling.
- Evaluating adjustments to flight schedules, potentially relocating night flights to alternative airports such as Kaunas.