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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.