🔗 Share this article Weather Balloons Used to Smuggle Cigarettes Shut Down Vilnius Airport At least 11 of the meteorological balloons, transporting thousands of packs of contraband cigarettes, have been collected so far Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as the country's main airport was forced to close for an extended period when numerous of them entered the airspace of Lithuania. Air Travel Interruptions The temporary shutdown led to thirty canceled flights impacting six thousand travelers, with officials warning that delays might continue throughout Monday. Border Security Response Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were detected entering Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the main terminal. As many as 14 of the weather balloons deployed throughout the weekend passed through the capital region, which is situated near Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the frontier with Belarus. Contraband Recovery A minimum of 11 balloons carrying eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have been collected so far, though this number could rise, according to customs agents. International Illegal Trade Despite the disruption, authorities noted that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in neighboring countries." Since January, over five hundred weather devices have been observed infiltrating Lithuania from Belarus, while approximately 966 had been recorded last year. Regional Consequences Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which likewise adjoins Belarus, has documented over one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the weather devices. Illegal Transport Methods Regarding inquiries concerning why criminals use a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than easier to manage drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by smugglers - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus." Security Service Goals Officials added that "Our services' aim is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and participants so that such operations become economically unsustainable and present no risk to passenger aircraft." Regional Security Context These airspace violations occur during a period of growing anxiety in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have caused air traffic disruption across European nations. Parallel situations in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout European airspace.