“Hybrid attack” on EU airports: Belarus balloons cost Lithuania €800,000, disrupt 51,000 passengers

Lithuanian Airports recorded approximately €200,000 in direct losses in October and November 2025, caused by contraband balloons launched from the territory of Belarus. The incidents affected Vilnius Airport the most, where operations had to be regularly restricted, LTR reports. 

According to Lithuanian Airports, a joint stock company that unites and manages Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports, known as LTOU, the amount includes lost revenue and direct operating costs, such as staff salaries, security expenses, and the organization of airport operations under restrictive conditions.

LTOU Communications Manager Vitalija Ročė says that a comprehensive assessment of all direct losses and lost revenue for 2025 will be completed by the end of the year.

Actual losses are significantly higher

LTOU stresses that the officially recorded figures do not include losses incurred by airlines, ground handling companies, and businesses operating at airport facilities, all of which also suffered financial damage.

“Due to this hybrid attack, LTOU is mobilizing partners for a civil lawsuit in which they will assess and submit their losses for compensation. At this stage, the estimated value of such a claim already exceeds €800,000,” Ročė said.

Disrupted air traffic and thousands of affected passengers

The impact of the incidents has also been felt by passengers:

• The number of flights through Vilnius Airport will be 3.8% lower than planned.
• Temporary airspace restrictions around Kaunas Airport affected 350 flights.
• Around 51,000 passengers experienced delays, cancellations, or route changes.

Contraband balloons as an element of hybrid warfare

LTOU explicitly describes the situation not as isolated incidents but as part of a hybrid attack that poses risks to aviation safety, the economy, and Lithuania’s civilian infrastructure.

Beyond financial damage, the actions are seen as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the operation of critical transport hubs, fitting into a broader pattern of hybrid pressure on EU countries from Belarus and Russia.

Earlier, Ukrainian historical expert Yaroslav Chornogor said that Belarus and Russia are testing the EU through provocations using “meteorological balloons” against Lithuania.

“Provocations will continue”: Expert says Belarus balloon attacks are joint Russia test of EU limits

Until the response reaches the EU or NATO level, these attacks will continue.