“Vilnius Airport is one of the sites we protect. Our officers are working not only inside the airport – we also respond to activity in its vicinity. Yesterday, we detained two drone operators flying in the restricted area,” Viktoras Grabauskas told reporters at the Government on Monday.
Those detained for flying drones in a prohibited zone face administrative fines of EUR 400–800, the VST head said.
According to Grabauskas, the individuals, all Lithuanian citizens, gave varying explanations – from “trying out” a drone to wanting “to see what Vilnius looks like.” An investigation is under way.
“Most are not malicious and acted out of ignorance, but ignorance does not exempt them from responsibility,” he said.
Vilnius Airport has been closed multiple times in recent months because of smuggling balloons drifting in from Belarus.
The Government now plans to declare a nationwide emergency in response.