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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, an NCMC spokesman said, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.