Radar signatures linked to cigarette carrying balloons forced Vilnius Airport to stop operations again, raising fears of renewed crossborder provocations and flight disruptions.
On the night of March 22, Vilnius Airport again suspended operations due to radar signals characteristic of balloons carrying contraband cigarettes launched from Belarus. This is already the fourth such incident this year.
The previous incident was recorded in the night of March 15. According to authorities, the radar signals were linked to a similar scheme used during similar provocations from Belarus.
On March 19, special envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump, John Cole, said in an interview that he conveyed Lithuania’s concerns to Lukashenko during hours-long talks in Minsk.
In the autumn and early December 2025 the intrusion of balloons carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus into Lithuania led to repeated closures of Vilnius Airport, located near the border. Lithuania responded with near-total closure of the border with Belarus from October 29 to November 19.
On December 9, 2025, the Lithuanian government declared a state of emergency due to a hybrid attack by Belarus. The decision was taken because of the threat to national security and the danger to life and health of people, as well as to property and the environment created by launching balloons with contraband into Lithuania from Belarus.
Current Situation and Next Steps
Experts and authorities are monitoring developments, anticipate new challenges at the air border, and are working to strengthen security measures around airports and border areas to prevent further shutdowns and reduce risks to people and infrastructure.
Analysts emphasize the importance of international cooperation and enhanced monitoring of air corridors in the region, as such provocations have a serious impact on air travel, the economy, and citizens’ safety.
The situation requires ongoing monitoring and joint action among countries, commitments in airspace security, and strengthened cooperation between border services.