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Lithuanian authorities recovered over 11 balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes, which disrupted 30 flights and affected 6,000 passengers. The balloons, used increasingly by Belarusian smugglers, are part of a broader pattern of airspace intrusions linked to heightened tensions with Russia and Belarus. Flights resumed early Sunday.
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As of early November 2025, Lithuania has indefinitely closed its Šalčininkai border crossing with Belarus and restricted passage at Medininkai following repeated incursions of helium balloons carrying contraband cigarettes into its airspace. These incidents disrupted flights at Vilnius and Kaunas airports multiple times last week, prompting national security measures and discussions of NATO consultations.
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Belarus accuses Lithuania of launching a drone found in Grodno, equipped with cameras and extremist materials. Lithuania denies involvement. The incident follows ongoing drone and balloon disruptions linked to hybrid tensions, with border closures and airspace restrictions affecting regional stability.
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Lithuania's Vilnius airport was suspended for 11 hours after at least 60 balloons were launched from Belarus, directed at runways. Lithuania sees this as a hybrid attack by Belarus, a close Russian ally, amid rising tensions over drone and balloon incursions linked to regional security concerns.
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A flight from LOT Airlines, flight LO771, safely disembarked all 67 passengers and crew after landing. The aircraft experienced no injuries, and the runway remains closed until 5 p.m. local time. The incident occurred at an unspecified airport, with no reports of damage or casualties.