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Weather balloons transporting thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Lithuania's primary air hub was compelled to shut down for hours when dozens of them drifted across the country's airspace.

Air Travel Interruptions

The operational halt led to thirty canceled flights affecting thousands of passengers, with authorities cautioning that additional delays could occur throughout Monday.

National Security Measures

Authorities reported that 25 meteorological balloons were observed crossing into Lithuania from the border with Belarus, with two of which ending up directly over the main terminal.

As many as 14 of the weather balloons launched over the weekend drifted across the capital region, which is home to Lithuania's primary metropolis and close to the frontier with Belarus.

Illegal Goods Seizure

No fewer than 11 balloons carrying numerous containers of black-market cigarettes have been collected so far, though additional discoveries are expected, according to customs agents.

Regional Smuggling Pattern

Despite the disruption, representatives clarified that "Weather devices carrying illegal goods - cigarettes from Belarus - are not unusual in neighboring countries."

Since January, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus, while nearly a thousand were recorded last year.

Cross-Border Effects

Simultaneously, the north-eastern Podlaskie region, which also borders Belarus, has documented over numerous instances in which contraband was flown from its neighbor using the balloons.

Smuggling Techniques

When questioned about why criminals use a approach that remains highly susceptible to weather elements rather than simpler to operate drones, officials clarified that "Meteorological balloons are simple mechanisms used by illegal traders - they are more economical than drones for transporting cigarettes from Belarus."

Border Protection Aims

Authorities continued that "The goal of law enforcement is to seize the largest possible amounts of illegal goods and to apprehend coordinators and perpetrators so that this activity become not financially viable and present no risk to civil aviation."

European Tensions

These airspace violations occur during a time of growing anxiety in Europe following multiple unmanned aircraft violations that have created aviation problems across the continent.

Parallel situations in neighboring countries have caused EU officials to speed up talks about improving airspace protection throughout the region.