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Balloons carrying numerous packages of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was compelled to shut down for an extended period when dozens of them entered the airspace of Lithuania.

Aviation Problems

The temporary shutdown led to the cancellation of 30 flights affecting thousands of passengers, with officials warning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

Border Security Response

Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the adjacent country of Belarus, with two balloons ending up right above the main terminal.

Approximately 14 of the meteorological devices deployed throughout the weekend drifted across the Vilnius area, which is the location of Lithuania's capital city and adjacent to the border with Belarus.

Contraband Recovery

At least 11 balloons containing 18,000 packs of contraband smoking materials have since been recovered, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to customs agents.

International Illegal Trade

Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that "Balloons with contraband - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in the Baltic region and Poland."

To date in the current year, numerous meteorological balloons have been documented crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were recorded last year.

Neighboring Country Impact

At the same time, the north-eastern Polish territory, which also borders Belarus, has documented over 100 cases in which smuggled items were delivered from its neighbor using the balloons.

Illegal Transport Methods

In response to questions about why smugglers utilize a method that is especially affected by weather factors rather than easier to manage drones, authorities explained that "Meteorological balloons are basic instruments used by illegal traders - they are less expensive than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Law Enforcement Objectives

Representatives further stated that "Our services' aim is to confiscate the maximum possible quantities of contraband and to detain organisers and perpetrators so that this activity become economically unsustainable and present no risk to civil aviation."

International Concerns

These airspace violations occur during a time of increased concerns in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have caused air traffic disruption across European nations.

Recent incidents in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to speed up talks about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.