Lithuania Considers Shifting Night Flights from Vilnius to Kaunas as Belarus Smuggling Balloons with Continued to Disrupt Controlled Airspace and Airport Operations

Published on December 3, 2025

The Lithuanian authorities are considering relocating night-time commercial flights from Vilnius International Airport to Kaunas Airport as a temporary measure to alleviate continuous disruptions created by weather balloons carrying contraband cigarettes, launched from Belarus. The balloons that have been entering the Lithuanian-controlled airspace since October 2025 continue to force repeated shutdowns of the capital’s airport in the evening and night hours. Government sources confirm that the situation has escalated to the point where alternative operational arrangements must now be examined to ensure continuous flight schedules, uphold aviation safety standards, and minimize delays for travelers.

Frequent Airport Closures Disrupt Normal Operations

Over the past several months, Vilnius International Airport has experienced multiple temporary closures as air traffic controllers activate safety protocols in response to unidentified airborne objects in the restricted zone. In one recent week alone, the airport was shut down three times, delaying flights and creating significant inconvenience for passengers.

Every closure requires a full halt to take-offs and landings until the airspace is cleared. This meticulous verification process ensures flight safety but also disrupts airline operations, affecting both domestic and international route networks. Airlines operating night flights have been particularly impacted, with cascading effects across European and connecting flights. The worsening frequency of these incidents has placed additional pressure on aviation authorities to act decisively.

Kaunas Airport Under Consideration as a More Stable Night-Time Hub

According to Ignas Dobrovolskas, adviser to the Prime Minister, authorities are now discussing whether shifting night flights to Kaunas Airport could provide meaningful relief for travellers and airlines affected by the interruptions at Vilnius. Kaunas Airport is geographically further from the Belarusian border and therefore less vulnerable to airspace disruption caused by smuggling balloons.

Kaunas already serves as a major aviation hub in Lithuania, handling both passenger and cargo operations. Its runway capacity, infrastructure, and logistical flexibility are currently being evaluated to determine whether it can temporarily manage increased night-time traffic without compromising service quality or safety.

Security Concerns Over Belarus-Launched Weather Balloons Continue to Rise

Government-verified assessments indicate that the weather balloons launched from Belarus are part of an organised smuggling route used to transport illegal cigarette shipments across the border. These balloons, while unmanned, can drift unpredictably due to changing wind currents and altitudes.

When they enter controlled airspace, they pose a potential threat to aircraft due to the risk of collision or interference with radar systems. Lithuania’s strict aviation safety regulations require immediate suspension of airport operations upon detection of foreign objects, regardless of their size. This emerging cross-border security concern has intensified the need for coordinated action between Lithuania’s aviation authorities, border services, and national security institutions.

Assessing Operational, Logistical and Economic Factors

Before moving forward with a relocation plan, the government must evaluate a range of critical factors. These include:

• Airline scheduling adjustments for night-time departures and arrivals
• Ground transportation considerations for passengers travelling to Kaunas instead of Vilnius
• Airport staffing and resource allocation during night shifts
• Financial implications for airlines and airport operators
• Passenger convenience and itinerary adjustments

Officials must also consider the potential impact on tourism, as Vilnius acts as the primary entry point for many international visitors. Any prolonged shift in operations may influence hotel occupancy rates, business travel confidence, and overall visitor mobility.

Broader Implications for Lithuania’s Tourism and Air Travel Reliability

The stability of Lithuania’s aviation sector plays a vital role in supporting the country’s tourism and economic development. Repeated airport shutdowns have the potential to discourage travellers, especially those connecting through Vilnius on multi-leg journeys.

If night flights are temporarily redirected to Kaunas, the measure could help preserve traveller confidence during peak risk hours and ensure continuity for airlines operating late-evening or early-morning schedules. The move may also bring short-term benefits to the Kaunas tourism sector, increasing visitor numbers and associated economic activity.

However, long-term disruptions at Vilnius Airport could affect Lithuania’s international reputation for aviation reliability, underscoring the importance of swift decision-making and clear communication with airlines and travellers.

Government Focuses on Long-Term Solutions to Ensure Stable Air Travel

Lithuania’s government is currently conducting a detailed review of the operational, economic, and logistical viability of transferring night-time flights to Kaunas. The priority remains safeguarding passenger safety while ensuring continuous and predictable airport operations.

Authorities are collaborating with aviation experts, airport management teams, and national security agencies to develop an effective response to the challenges posed by Belarus-based smuggling activities. The ongoing evaluation aims to balance immediate operational needs with long-term national airspace protection and tourism stability.

Lithuania Prepares for Strategic Adjustments if Needed

While investigations and airspace monitoring continue, Lithuania is preparing for possible modifications to its aviation schedule in order to ensure uninterrupted service. Whether night flights will be moved to Kaunas or not, the Government remains steadfastly committed to ensuring air travel safety, minimizing disruptions, and safeguarding the interests of travelers, airlines, and the greater tourism sector. A final decision will be made in light of extensive consultations and evaluations as Lithuania gets ready for an advanced cross-border security challenge following the regular airspace intrusions.