Vilnius airport halts flights after radar detects unknown objects

September 13, 2026 at 06:57 PM2 min

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Vilnius airport suspended all flights at 13:26 local time on September 13 after radar detected unknown objects. Air raid alerts were issued in Vilnius and surrounding districts, and NATO fighter jets were scrambled. The alert was lifted around 13:45 after the objects were identified as a flock of birds.

Key Facts

Vilnius airport suspended all flights at 13:26 local time on September 13, 2026.
Air raid alerts were issued in Vilnius, Trakai, and Elektrenai districts, as well as in the capital itself.
NATO fighter jets were scrambled from Siauliai air base in northern Lithuania, where Italian Air Force units are deployed for Baltic air policing.
The National Crisis Management Centre of Lithuania reported that the radar contacts were a flock of birds, not drones.
The air alert was cancelled around 13:45 local time, and Vilnius airport resumed operations.

Airport Closure

Vilnius airport stopped accepting and dispatching aircraft at 13:26 local time (14:26 Baku time) on September 13, 2026. The restriction was expected to last until 16:30 local time (17:30 Baku time). The airport is located 6-7 km from the Lithuanian capital and serves as the country's main air hub. The National Crisis Management Centre of Lithuania initially reported the threat, prompting the temporary closure.

Air Raid Alert

Air raid alerts were announced in Vilnius, Trakai, and Elektrenai districts, as well as in Vilnius city itself. The Lithuanian army urged residents to identify safe shelters in advance. NATO fighter jets were scrambled to identify the objects; one aircraft took off from Siauliai air base in northern Lithuania. Italian Air Force units stationed at Siauliai are participating in NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Bird Flock Identification

After inspection, the fighter crew determined that the radar contacts were a flock of birds, not drones. The National Crisis Management Centre stated that bird silhouettes on radar screens closely resemble drones, requiring additional verification. The air alert was cancelled around 13:45 local time, and Vilnius airport resumed operations.