Lithuania shut the airport in the capital Vilnius and briefly urged people to take shelter in several regions over a drone alert, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry confirmed the airport's closure in an alert sent to the phones of Vilnius residents including AFP's correspondent saying: "Air raid alert! Go immediately to a shelter or a safe place, take care of your family members and wait for further instructions."

A report from the national news agency said the president and prime minister had taken cover, though the army later said the alert was lifted and citizens could leave their shelters.