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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.