On March 22, 2023, at 12:33 AM, Vilnius Airport operations were temporarily suspended in response to a hybrid attack by Belarus against Lithuania. This attack involved the presence of navigation signals typically associated with balloons, which posed risks to civil aviation and the public. As a precaution, aerial restrictions were implemented above Vilnius Airport, leading to a halt in operations. The flight activities resumed at around 1:46 AM after the restrictions were lifted.

Following the re-establishment of service at Vilnius Airport, travelers were warned of potential delays on March 22 and 23 due to disruptions in crew and aircraft rotations stemming from the earlier restrictions. Passengers affected by cancellations or delays were advised to contact their airlines directly for more information regarding their flights. Additional support for passengers could be sought through the Vilnius Airport website or customer service channels.

This incident draws attention to ongoing tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, as hybrid warfare strategies are employed, which may complicate civil aviation operations. Authorities are likely to keep close watch on such hybrid threats and implement further measures as needed to safeguard aviation security. The need for passenger awareness and immediate communication from aviation authorities remains critical in these fluid circumstances.