VILNIUS, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Vilnius Airport resumed operations early Thursday after three overnight shutdowns caused by a "balloon threat," the Baltic News Service reported.
"Vilnius airspace reopened at 2:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) on December 4," the news service reported, citing Lithuania Airports (LTOU).
Operations were halted three times since 7:36 p.m. (1736 GMT) on Wednesday after balloons carrying contraband crossed into Lithuanian airspace.
LTOU said the temporary airspace restrictions disrupted 27 flights and affected 3,100 passengers, adding that further delays are possible on Thursday due to disrupted crew and aircraft rotations.
Balloons used by cigarette smugglers have repeatedly forced temporary closures of Vilnius Airport in recent months, with one time at Kaunas Airport. ■
