Airspace Disruptions Trigger Legal Action: Lithuanian Airports Seek Prosecutor’s Investigation Over Hostile Balloon Launches

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) have submitted a request to the Prosecutor General’s Office on Wednesday, asking to initiate a pre-trial investigation in response to balloons released from another country that pose a threat to national security. Seeking to protect the interests of the organisation, its partners, and the State of Lithuania, LTOU aims for balloon launches that endanger aviation safety and disrupt air traffic to be treated as assistance to another state acting against the Republic of Lithuania.

“We seek the strictest accountability for everyone involved in hostile actions targeting our country. Contraband balloons have disrupted airport operations and restricted aircraft movement in national airspace. Companies suffered substantial financial losses, while passengers faced major inconvenience due to delayed travel plans and cancelled holidays. These damages must be compensated. Criminal attempts to disrupt our airspace will not be tolerated,” said Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas.

“After carefully assessing the scale of the incidents and their impact on airport operations, we believe that under the circumstances, launching balloons from the territory of another state may constitute an act falling under Article 118 of the Criminal Code, which defines assistance to another state acting against the Republic of Lithuania. This offence encompasses threats to state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic capacity. Given the disruption of airport activities and risks to national security, we see grounds for referring this matter to the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate a pre-trial investigation,” said Vidas Kšanas, Director of the Safety, Security and Resilience Department at LTOU.

Kšanas noted that following consultations with legal experts, it was concluded that in the current publicly discussed situation, the Prosecutor’s Office should have sufficient grounds to begin an investigation under Article 118. Other legal avenues related to the recent mass contraband balloon incidents were also evaluated with legal advisors.

“Although the investigation may take time, identifying those responsible — or later qualifying additional criminal acts relating to the same individuals — could enable further civil claims for compensation. We are presently preparing such claims and collecting detailed data on losses sustained by us and our partners. Should guilt be established, the legal consequences would be far more severe than in typical smuggling cases,” Kšanas stressed, noting that crimes against the state may carry penalties of up to 7 years’ imprisonment. Liability may apply to both natural and legal persons.

According to Kšanas, the initiation of a pre-trial investigation and subsequent actions would demonstrate a clear position by state institutions and serve as a strong preventive measure, as public communication about the process could have a deterrent effect.

“In recent weeks, airlines and other partners have seen that we are committed to actively defending our shared interests and holding accountable those responsible for actions that disrupt flights and cause inconvenience to thousands of travellers. Safety is our highest priority, and it is essential not only to identify the guilty, but also to prevent similar criminal acts in the future,” he emphasised.

He added that airports and their partners are ready to provide law enforcement with all necessary information, including assessments of direct and indirect losses. The legal action is strongly supported by airlines, ground handling agents, and other partners affected by flight cancellations, diversions, and delays.