Lithuanian authorities detain drone operator near Vilnius airport

Lithuania’s Public Security Service (VST) has detained a man for operating a drone in a restricted area near Vilnius International Airport, authorities said.

The Fly Safe monitoring system detected an unmanned aerial vehicle at 7:44 p.m. local time on January 1. The system flagged the drone for flying within restricted airspace close to the airport, Lithuanian media reports. 

The VST noted that relevant services were immediately notified. Public Security Service officers quickly responded, identified the launch location, and by 8:02 p.m. had detained both the drone and its operator.

The drone was confiscated, and the operator was issued an administrative offence report by the Lithuanian security authorities.

The VST said the situation was promptly brought under control and posed no threat.

By Sabina Mammadli