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Vilnius Airport Reopens After Latest Balloon Disruption

Officials describe the recurring incursions as a Belarus-linked hybrid tactic tied to cigarette smuggling.

Overview

  • Air traffic at Vilnius International Airport resumed at 5:31 p.m. GMT on Dec. 6 after suspected balloons were detected nearby.
  • The shutdown was the third interruption this week and one of more than ten closures since early October.
  • Lithuanian aviation authorities say balloons have been launched at regular intervals and directed toward runways.
  • Lithuanian Airports reports roughly 320 flights affected to date and estimated losses of more than €750,000 for the operator and partners.
  • The European Union says it is preparing additional sanctions on Belarus over what it describes as a hybrid campaign targeting Lithuania.