President of Dagestan Sergei Melikov addressed the situation at Makhachkala airport following a wave of protests. He suggested that individuals detained at the airport could seek to restore their reputation in designated operations in Ukraine, framing it as a personal choice rather than a forced measure. Melikov emphasized that there has never been a precedent in the region where detainees were kept for alleged crimes and sent to the Northern Military District, asserting that those who took part in combat duties acted with awareness and purpose.
Melikov added that if any detained individual who participated in the unrest wished to pursue volunteer service or a contractual role with the Armed Forces, such a path would be welcomed. He also warned that there would be no special exemptions or leniency for participants in the riots, framing the event as a matter of accountability.
In remarks about the broader situation, the regional leader stated that no one would be forgiven for taking part in the disturbances. The remarks came at a time of heightened tension following protests that occurred in the area on the evening of October 29, with some participants expressing violent intentions and threats directed at groups within the region. The atmosphere around the airport was characterized by heightened security measures and a focus on maintaining order, as described by authorities and local officials in subsequent briefings.
Security and aviation authorities reported that the airport had briefly operated with restrictions due to the presence of unauthorized individuals. The Federal Air Transport Agency indicated that the facility would remain closed through early November as a precautionary measure. While security forces reinforced the airport perimeter, flows of arriving passengers underwent checks, though officials indicated that formal document verifications would not be prolonged beyond standard procedures. Refugee and civilian movement were discussed in relation to broader regional security and humanitarian considerations, with authorities indicating that people from certain areas would face restrictions based on safety concerns arising from regional conflict dynamics and the ongoing bombardment in the Gaza Strip, which affected regional travel policies and perceptions of risk.
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs had reported the detention of around sixty protesters at Makhachkala airport, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore order and deter further disturbances. Official statements from regional authorities stressed the importance of upholding law and security while addressing the underlying grievances that fueled the demonstrations. The overall narrative from regional leadership framed the event as a test of civic responsibility and adherence to state processes, rather than a passive stance toward unrest, and called for measured responses to any future incidents. The situation remained tightly monitored as authorities coordinated security actions with aviation regulators and local law enforcement to ensure safe and orderly operations at the airport and within the republic.
In summary, the discourse from Dagestan’s leadership centered on accountability for those involved in the protests, while offering potential avenues for voluntary service within the Armed Forces for willing participants. The authorities stressed that no special favors would be granted to rioters, and they outlined ongoing restrictions affecting air travel as part of security and safety considerations during a period of significant regional tension. Attribution for these developments can be traced to official statements cited by regional authorities and public briefings from the time of the incident, which describe the sequence of events and the measures implemented to stabilize the situation.