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Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.