Vilnius Airport Reopens After Overnight Closure Due to Suspected Contraband

December 1, 2025 at 05:08 AM•1 min read

Vilnius Airport has fully resumed operations after an overnight airspace closure caused by navigation marks resembling contraband balloons from Belarus.

Key Points

1Vilnius Airport reopened at 5 a.m., resuming normal operations after an overnight airspace closure.
2Airspace restrictions were imposed due to navigation marks identified as balloons moving towards the airport.
3Lithuanian Airports initiated a pre-trial investigation into contraband balloons from Belarus, citing a national security threat.
4Affected passengers should contact their airlines directly for specific flight status updates.

Vilnius Airport (VNO) has returned to normal operations as of 5 a.m., following an overnight closure of its airspace. The restrictions, which had been in place since the previous evening, were lifted, allowing all flight activities to proceed as scheduled.

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) confirmed that the decision to impose the airspace restrictions was prompted by the detection of navigation marks characteristic of balloons, which were observed moving in the direction of Vilnius Airport. Initial reports suggest these were contraband balloons originating from Belarus, posing a potential threat to national security. Consequently, LTOU has appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office to initiate a pre-trial investigation into the incident.

While the airport has reopened, passengers whose travel plans may have been impacted by the temporary closure are advised to consult directly with their respective airlines. Airlines maintain the authority to make final decisions regarding specific flights, and direct communication with carriers will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.