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Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have caused flight disruptions in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was required to halt operations for several hours when dozens of them entered the national airspace.

Flight Disruptions

The airport closure led to the cancellation of 30 flights impacting 6,000 passengers, with officials warning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Officials confirmed that multiple atmospheric balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up right above the aviation facility.

As many as 14 of the meteorological devices sent during the weekend floated over the metropolitan zone, which is situated near Lithuania's main urban center and close to the border with Belarus.

Contraband Recovery

At least 11 balloons carrying eighteen thousand packages of contraband smoking materials have since been recovered, though more recoveries are anticipated, according to border security officials.

International Illegal Trade

Despite the disruption, authorities noted that "Balloons with contraband - tobacco products originating in Belarus - are nothing new in Lithuania, Latvia, 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.

Regional Consequences

Meanwhile, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which similarly neighbors Belarus, has recorded more than one hundred incidents in which contraband was flown from its border nation utilizing the meteorological equipment.

Illegal Transport Methods

Regarding inquiries concerning why criminals use a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather factors rather than more controllable drones, representatives elaborated that "Weather devices are rudimentary tools used by contraband transporters - they are cheaper than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Authorities continued that "Our services' aim is to capture the greatest possible amounts of illegal goods and to detain organisers and involved individuals so that these practices become not financially viable and do not pose risk to civil aviation."

International Concerns

The recent incidents occur during a time of growing anxiety in Europe following numerous drone incursions that have resulted in flight interruptions across European nations.

Similar occurrences in neighboring countries have prompted European leaders to accelerate discussions about strengthening air defences throughout European airspace.