🔗 Share this article Balloons Used to Illegally Transport Tobacco Products Forced Closure of Vilnius Airport No fewer than 11 of the weather balloons, carrying thousands of packs of illegal cigarettes, have been collected so far Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have interfered with air travel in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was required to halt operations for an extended period when numerous of them floated into the country's airspace. Flight Disruptions The temporary shutdown led to thirty canceled flights affecting 6,000 passengers, with officials warning that further disruptions were possible throughout Monday. Border Security Response Authorities reported that multiple atmospheric balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, with a pair of them ending up directly over the main terminal. As many as 14 of the weather balloons deployed throughout the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is the location of Lithuania's capital city and near the border with Belarus. Illegal Goods Seizure No fewer than 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to law enforcement authorities. International Illegal Trade While creating issues, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are common occurrences in neighboring countries." To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were noted during the prior year. Neighboring Country Impact At the same time, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which contraband was flown from its border nation utilizing the balloons. Smuggling Techniques Regarding inquiries concerning why criminals use a technique that proves especially affected by weather conditions rather than simpler to operate drones, authorities explained that "Weather devices are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for carrying smoking materials from Belarus." Border Protection Aims Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to arrest masterminds and perpetrators so that these practices become unprofitable and do not pose risk to civil aviation." European Tensions Such border infiltrations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across European nations. Similar occurrences in adjacent nations have prompted European leaders to fast-track conversations about enhancing aerial security throughout European airspace.