VILNIUS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-five meteorological balloons, reportedly used by smugglers, entered Lithuanian airspace overnight Saturday, Lithuanian authorities said.
According to the National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC), 13 to 14 balloons were detected over Vilnius and surrounding areas, including two above Vilnius Airport, Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) reported Sunday.
Vilnius Airport temporarily closed its airspace at 22:16 Saturday due to the incident, resuming operations at 04:50 Sunday. The shutdown affected about 30 flights and 6,000 passengers. Lithuanian Airports said on Sunday some flights may continue to face delays due to crew and aircraft rotation issues, while six flights - to Zurich, London, Frankfurt, Kutaisi, Warsaw, and Copenhagen - were cancelled.
The State Border Guard Service (VSAT) said officers detected seven of the balloons overnight in the Salcininkai, Varena, Druskininkai, Vilnius, and Lazdijai districts. These balloons carried about 12,000 packs of cigarettes, VSAT spokesman Giedrius Misutis told local news agency BNS Sunday.
Authorities are still determining how many of the balloons landed in Lithuania and how many were used for smuggling. ■
