Balloons from Belarus force closure of European airport – again
Tensions between Belarus and Lithuania escalate over balloons
- Lithuania's Vilnius Airport has experienced repeated closures, stranding thousands, due to meteorological balloons originating from Belarus.
- Lithuanian officials view the increasing frequency and flight paths of these balloons as a deliberate “cynical hybrid attack” by Belarus, a staunch Russian ally.
- In a recent incident, Vilnius Airport operations were suspended for 11 hours after at least 60 balloons were flown from Belarus, with 40 reaching critical aviation safety areas.
- Tensions have escalated, with Belarus accusing Lithuania of sending a drone into its airspace for espionage, a claim Lithuania's Prime Minister denies.
- Lithuania is seeking solutions, including offering 1 million euros for defence projects like an Intelligent Airspace Security System and high-power lasers, alongside considering new punishments and flight schedule adjustments.