In a significant move, Lithuania has taken a step just shy of declaring a “state of emergency”—a designation reserved for situations where the nation’s “constitutional order” is at risk. This decision highlights the gravity of the ongoing issue at hand.

At the heart of this predicament is the illicit use of balloons for cigarette smuggling. Each balloon can typically transport between 500 to 1,500 packs of cigarettes. The economic incentive is clear: a pack costs under a euro via these means, while the same brand retails for about 4.5 euros in Lithuania.

The impact of this smuggling has been notably disruptive. Since October, Vilnius Airport has experienced over 60 hours of closure due to the threat posed by these balloons. This has affected more than 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers, as reported by the interior ministry, illustrating the widespread inconvenience and economic impact.

In response, Lithuanian officials have approved the use of “kinetic measures” to combat the balloon threat. However, the country’s chief of defence has noted that the army is still in search of cost-effective strategies to detect and neutralize these airborne contraband carriers effectively.

Since October, Vilnius Airport has been closed for more than 60 hours due to the threat posed by smuggling balloons, impacting more than 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers, according to the interior ministry.

What happens to the cigarettes?

Officials have since authorised the use of “kinetic measures”, but Lithuania’s chief of defence said the army had not yet found cost-effective methods to identify and bring down balloons.

How has Belarus responded?