Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) estimated that in October and November, they incurred losses of around EUR 200,000 due to smuggling balloons arriving from Belarus, which most significantly disrupted operations at Vilnius Airport.
According to the airports, the amount consists of lost revenue and other direct losses (wages, operational expenses, etc.).
According to LTOU Communications Manager Vitalija Roce, all direct losses and lost revenue in 2025 will be assessed at the end of the year.
She added that the direct lost revenue and damages did not include the full losses incurred by airlines, ground handling companies, and other businesses operating at the airports.
“Due to the hybrid attack, LTOU is mobilizing partners to pursue a civil claim, within which they will assess and submit their losses for compensation. Currently, the estimated amount of damages under the civil claim already exceeds EUR 800,000,” Roce said.
The number of flights via Vilnius Airport is expected to be 3.8% lower than planned. Additionally, during the airspace restrictions period, 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers were affected at Kaunas Airport. (Ukrinform)