US EditionLithuania's Vilnius airport reopens after suspension over balloons in airspace
Up to 25 hot-air balloons carrying 18,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes from Belarus caused Vilnius Airport to close temporarily, disrupting 30 flights and affecting 6,000 passengers.
- Up to 25 small hot-air balloons, some carrying smuggled cigarettes, caused Vilnius Airport to close, delaying 30 flights and affecting around 6,000 passengers for hours according to Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre.
- Lithuanian authorities reported recovering 11 balloons and 18,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes, according to spokesperson Darius Buta.
- Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre stated that balloons used for smuggling are cheaper than drones, increasing smuggling operations from Belarus.
- Authorities indicated that smugglers prefer balloons over drones due to lower costs, even though balloons are less reliable.
182 Articles
182 Articles
Mysterious weather balloons from Belarus paralyzed Vilnius Airport and left 6,000 passengers stranded. In the meantime, it is clear what purpose the flying objects served - the Lithuanian authorities also reported several arrests.
Up to 25 weather balloons sailed across the Lithuanian border on Sunday night. Authorities have found eleven of them – and seized around 18,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes.
Airport Shuttered by Cigarette-Smuggling Balloons
Flights were brought to a halt at Lithuania's busiest airport over the weekend after dozens of balloons loaded with black-market cigarettes drifted in from Belarus. Lithuanian officials said 25 balloons—normally used for meteorological purposes—were detected Sunday, with two ending up above Vilnius Airport, prompting the cancellation of 30...
Hot air balloons are often confiscated in Lithuania and almost always come from Belarus.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
