Vilnius Airport in Lithuania has suspended all operations due to a reported "balloon threat". The closure began at 6.09pm local time (4.09pm GMT) and is expected to last until 9pm.

The airport authorities stated that airspace restrictions were imposed after navigational markers, typically associated with balloons, were detected moving towards the airport. This prompted immediate action to ensure the safety of flights in the area.

Several flights have been affected by the suspension. A Ryanair flight from Oslo to Vilnius was diverted to Kaunas Airport (KUN). Additionally, a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul was redirected to Riga, while a Finnair flight from Helsinki turned back and returned to its origin.

This incident marks the latest in a series of disruptions at Vilnius Airport, which has faced closures at least ten times since early October. The airport had briefly halted operations late on Friday evening before resuming on Saturday.

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the National Crisis Management Centre, commented on the situation, stating, "This night was the peak of cynicism." He noted that balloons originating from Belarus were observed from Friday evening until 6.30am on Saturday.

The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by the airport and the authorities in managing air traffic safety amid unusual threats. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.