Airport in Russia’s Dagestan Region Breached in Protest Against Flight from Tel Aviv

Numerous individuals forcibly entered the primary airport in the Dagestan region of Russia this past Sunday, proceeding to the runway to demonstrate against the landing of a plane from Tel Aviv, Israel. Reports from Russian media outlets and information disseminated through social media confirmed the incident.

The local authorities moved to shut down the airport in Makhachkala, the capital of this predominantly Muslim area, and dispatched law enforcement to the scene. At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed cases of injuries or detentions.

Russian news coverage indicated that those within the crowd were vocalizing antisemitic chants and sought to breach the airplane operated by the Russian airline Red Wings.

Footage circulating on social media platforms depicted participants in the gathering at the runway displaying Palestinian flags. Other scenes showed attempts to overturn a police vehicle and scrutiny of the identification documents of arriving passengers in Makhachkala.

A statement issued on Sunday evening from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the expectation that Russian law enforcement agencies would ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and Jewish individuals worldwide. The statement also mentioned ongoing efforts by the Israeli ambassador to Russia to collaborate with Russian officials in ensuring the safety of Israelis and Jews.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs for the North Caucasian Federal District of Russia, which includes Dagestan, announced that video surveillance would be employed to identify the individuals who penetrated the airport’s secure areas. Legal action is expected against those involved.

The Dagestani regional government, while expressing solidarity with Gaza, urged its citizens to refrain from participating in such demonstrations.

The government’s message, disseminated via Telegram, advised residents to exercise restraint and to avoid being incited by destructive entities, thereby causing societal unrest.

Dagestan’s Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, issued a call for peace in a video released on Telegram. He urged residents to seek alternative avenues to express their grievances, emphasizing the importance of patience and calm.

Sergei Melikov, Governor of Dagestan, was forthright in his condemnation of the protestors, pledging that legal repercussions would follow. He referred to the protest activities as a betrayal of those who have sacrificed for the nation’s security, alluding to the 1999 conflict in Dagestan and ongoing military actions in Ukraine.

Subsequently, Russia’s civilian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, confirmed that the airport was free of unauthorized individuals but announced that it would remain closed to incoming flights until November 6 as a precautionary measure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dagestan Airport Protest

More about Dagestan Airport Protest

• Dagestan Airport Breach: An Overview
• Israeli Prime Minister’s Statement on Dagestan Incident
• Ministry of Internal Affairs for North Caucasian Federal District Announcement
• Statement from Dagestani Regional Government
• Message from Supreme Mufti of Dagestan
• Rosaviatsia’s Announcement on Airport Status