Vilnius Airport in Lithuania was temporarily closed due to the intrusion of 25 weather balloons from Belarus, which were carrying a total of 18,000 packs of black-market cigarettes. The National Crisis Management Centre reported that two of the balloons floated directly over the airport, leading to the cancellation of 30 flights and affecting approximately 6,000 passengers. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following recent drone incursions suspected to be linked to Russia. Lithuanian officials noted that the use of balloons for smuggling is a recurring issue, with 544 such incidents recorded this year alone. The balloons, typically used for meteorological purposes, are favored by smugglers due to their lower cost compared to drones. Authorities aim to intercept contraband and apprehend those involved to deter future violations.