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Authorities have decided to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

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

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.