Lithuanian authorities have reported ongoing disruptions to air traffic, primarily at Vilnius Airport, due to large balloons carrying contraband cigarettes crossing the border from Belarus. These incidents have led to multiple airspace closures and flight delays.
Incidents and Impact
Since October, Lithuania's main airport, Vilnius International Airport, has experienced 15 closures attributed to these balloons, affecting thousands of travelers. One incident resulted in an 11-hour complete airspace shutdown. The balloons are frequently launched when wind patterns favor a northwest trajectory from Belarus into Lithuania.
Lithuanian Government's Position
The Lithuanian government has declared an emergency situation in response to the incidents. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that while some activity may originate as organized crime, Belarus is viewed as instrumentalizing such activities to affect neighboring countries. Budrys noted that the launch locations appear to target the main airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border. The government considers these actions a form of political pressure and a security concern.
Vilmantas Vitkauskas, who leads Lithuania's crisis management center, indicated a shift in tactics from previous smuggling operations. He observed that balloons are now being dispatched in sequences of one or two every 30 minutes, often directed towards the airport. He suggested that if Belarus intended to stop the activity, it possesses the capability to do so.
Measures Taken by Lithuania
In response, Lithuania's military police are conducting nightly patrols in the border zone to intercept smugglers. Due to the high altitude of the balloons, conventional air defense interception is not deemed a safe or cost-effective solution. Consequently, the government has offered a €1 million (£870,000) reward for a firm that can develop an effective interception method. Military radar is being used to track the balloons, and new criminal charges, including potential prison sentences for acts of sabotage against civil aviation, are being introduced.
Belarusian Response
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has dismissed claims of state involvement, attributing the balloon activity to "bandit" smugglers seeking profit and adapting to new border security measures, such as the recently erected metal fence and barbed wire.
Geopolitical Context
Lithuania views the current situation in the context of previous events, such as the 2021 migrant crisis, during which large numbers of migrants were facilitated in crossing into Lithuania and Poland from Belarus. Officials suggest that Belarus may be seeking to reduce international isolation and sanctions. The European Union does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as president following disputed elections in 2020 and subsequent crackdowns. Sanctions were further tightened after Belarus supported Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Recent developments include the US lifting some sanctions on Belarus following the release of 123 prisoners, including opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova. Lithuanian officials advocate for expanding EU sanctions to include hybrid activities against the bloc.
Aviation Sector Impact
Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Vilnius Airport, stated that the situation presents a novel challenge for the aviation sector. The estimated revenue loss for affected businesses is projected to reach €2 million by the end of the year. Some airlines have rerouted charter flights or reduced evening services to Vilnius.