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Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.