A balloon incursion from Belarus forced a temporary shutdown at Vilnius Airport on 6 December. Lithuanian authorities confirmed the disruption was part of what they call a hybrid attack carried out by Belarus.
Flights grounded for over an hour as balloons enter NATO airspace
Vilnius Airport reported that airspace restrictions were imposed at 6:06 p.m. on 6 December after aerial navigation markings resembling balloons were detected in areas considered dangerous to aviation. The airport lifted the restrictions at 7:32 p.m., but multiple flights were delayed or canceled as a result.
Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for further details and monitor updates on the airport's website. Lithuanian officials said the balloons posed a risk to civil aviation and public safety, calling the event "a hybrid attack carried out by Belarus against Lithuania."
ISW links incident to Russia’s broader strategy
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted it continues to assess that Russia is engaging in both covert and overt hostilities against Europe, and that such aerial violations are likely part of “Phase Zero” — a psychological and informational campaign aimed at preparing conditions for a potential NATO-Russia war.
According to ISW, Belarus functions as Russia’s "de facto cobelligerent" in the war against Ukraine. The group assessed that Belarusian incursions into NATO airspace are likely integrated into Moscow’s broader strategic efforts.
Pattern of balloon incursions, border closures
Suspilne says this was at least the fifth balloon-related airspace disruption since 27 October.
Overnight on 27 October, Vilnius Airport was temporarily closed after balloons from Belarus were spotted.
A similar incident occurred on the night of 25–26 October, resulting in delayed and canceled flights.
Man caught flying drone near Vilnius airport — Lithuania says he believed it was allowed
In response to the October incursions, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginenė convened a National Security Commission meeting. The commission approved a decision to close the border crossings with Belarus at Šalčininkai and Medininkai.
Although the crossings were reopened earlier than planned on 20 November, the Prime Minister stressed that if balloon intrusions worsened, the government reserved the right to reinstate the closures.
