Lithuania's Border Control Tightens Amid Balloon Smuggling Crisis

Lithuania plans to shut its border with Belarus if smuggling balloons re-enter its airspace. This decision follows incidents that disrupted flights at Vilnius Airport and resulted in arrests. The country aims to enforce strict border control to prevent further incursions and maintain national security.

Lithuania is poised to close its border with Belarus, responding to smuggler balloons entering its territory. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene made the announcement on Wednesday, as the nation grappled with airborne contraband.

Following disruptions at Vilnius Airport due to the balloon crossings, Lithuania reopened air travel and border entries on Wednesday. The National Crisis Management Centre reported that this was the second such incident this month, impacting 30 flights and 4,000 passengers.

The affected balloons carried contraband cigarettes from Belarus, a country aligned with Russia. In response to these repeated contraventions, Lithuania's swift border policy aims to curb further incursions and uphold stringent regional aviation security protocols.

(With inputs from agencies.)