Makhachkala airport in Russian region suspends flights due to protests
Protesters stormed Makhachkala airport in Russia’s Dagestan region, leading to the suspension of all flights. The demonstrators, reportedly upset over the arrival of a flight from Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, breached security and even made their way onto the runway. Authorities have arrested 60 individuals involved in the incident, while nine police officers were injured during clashes. Social media footage captured the chaos, with frightened passengers rushing back onto the plane. Disturbingly, some protesters chanted antisemitic slogans, waved Palestinian flags, and checked incoming passengers’ passports.
The situation arises as Israel continues its ground operations in the Gaza Strip, accompanied by heavy bombardment. According to Gaza officials, over 8,000 Palestinians, including 3,324 children, have died since the war began on October 7 in response to Hamas launching a surprise attack inside Israel. Israeli officials report that at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed in the Hamas attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement, calling on Russian law enforcement to protect Israeli citizens and denounce the acts of rioters and incitement against Jews and Israelis.
In a separate incident, a Jewish center in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, was set on fire. Following the airport unrest, Israeli passengers were isolated and guarded at Makhachkala airport, with plans to transport them directly to Moscow.
Efforts to Restore Calm
Russia’s civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, announced that the airfield has been cleared of unauthorized individuals but incoming flights will be suspended until November 6. While expressing support for Gaza, the Muslim-majority Dagestan government urged citizens to remain calm and avoid participating in such protests. Authorities warned protesters not to interfere with airport operations and encouraged residents to resist destructive groups and avoid creating panic. The Supreme Mufti of Dagestan, Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, also called for an end to the airport unrest, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution rather than rallies.
The incident has garnered international condemnation, with Adrienne Watson from the White House National Security Council condemning the surge in antisemitism and expressing solidarity with the global Jewish community.
