Airport closes in southern Russia after people pour onto runway denouncing Israel's actions

An airport in the southern Russian city of Makhachkala was closed on Sunday after a group of people poured onto the runway, the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia has said.

Media reports from the area said that demonstrators denouncing Israel's actions in Gaza, many waving Palestinian flags, had thronged the airport.

Reports in Israeli media state that the demonstrators turned up to the airport as a flight had been due to land from Tel Aviv.

Rosaviatsia said all aircraft bound for Makhachkala, in the region of Dagestan, had been diverted to other airports, according to Reuters.

A statement by the foreign ministry in Jerusalem said the Israeli ambassador in Moscow was working with Russian authorities to protect those onboard the flight.

"Israel expects the Russian law enforcement authorities to safeguard all Israeli citizens and Jews, whoever they may be, and to take robust action against the rioters and against the unbridled incitement being directed at Jews and Israelis," the statement said.