Lithuanian authorities say two balloons flew above Vilnius Airport, causing it to be shut down. Photo: AP PHOTO

Up to 25 small hot air balloons, some of them confirmed to be carrying smuggled cigarettes, entered Lithuanian airspace and forced the shutdown of Vilnius Airport, delaying flights for hours, authorities say.

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The balloons interfered with 30 flights, affecting about 6000 passengers, according to Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre.

Flights resumed on Sunday.

While the balloons turned out to be ferrying cigarettes, European countries are on high alert after intru

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