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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented 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 - she added.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.