On November 10, 2026, Vilnius and Kauno airports faced temporary operational disruptions driven by partial airspace restrictions following navigational pips resembling balloons.
Belarusian hybrid attack triggers airspace restrictions
Partial airspace restrictions above Vilnius Airport took effect at 21:21 due to what Lithuanian Airports identified as a hybrid attack by Belarus against Lithuania, civil aviation, and the public. Navigational pips characteristic of balloons were tracked over aviation-risky territories. Vilnius Airport resumed operations at 21:56 after the airspace restrictions were lifted, according to official reports.
Simultaneously, Kauno Airport faced restrictions starting at 21:47, which were initially set until 22:45 and later extended until 23:45. 15min.lt reported that no arrivals were scheduled in Kaunas until 02:40, at which point a flight from Egypt was expected to return. Despite the restrictions at both locations, aircraft departures remained permitted under all established safety requirements.
Did You Know? 15min.lt noted that despite early reports of restrictions in Vilnius, scheduled incoming flights managed to land safely, including an AirBaltic aircraft from Munich and a Ryanair plane from London shortly after 22:00.
Suspicious balloon pips cause flight disruptions
Lietuvos oro uostai stated that the restrictions were enacted due to a hybrid attack from Belarus targeting civil aviation and society. Bernardinai.lt and Kas vyksta Kaune corroborated that suspicious navigational pips typical of balloons were detected in areas hazardous to aviation. Passengers whose flights experienced delays, disruptions, or cancellations were urged by operators to contact their airlines directly for current schedule details.
Airspace restriction timings and reasons for disruption
When did the airspace restrictions begin and end?
Restrictions above Vilnius Airport began at 21:21 and ended at 21:56 on November 10, 2026. Restrictions at Kauno Airport started at 21:47 and lasted until 23:45 after an extension.
Why were the airport operations disrupted?
Lietuvos oro uostai stated that the restrictions were implemented due to a hybrid attack by Belarus against Lithuania, civil aviation, and the public, while navigational pips characteristic of balloons were tracked.
What should affected passengers do?
Passengers dealing with delayed, disrupted, or canceled flights are instructed to contact their respective airlines directly to verify flight information.