Scenes of confusion have erupted at Israel’s main international airport after passengers were reportedly refused boarding because of strict limits on outbound flights.

The Times of Israel said some travellers at Ben Gurion Airport were turned away after authorities imposed a cap on the number of people allowed on departing aircraft.

Israeli media reported that police were called to check-in desks as frustrated passengers confronted staff over the restrictions.

The disruption came after Israel’s Transportation Ministry said airlines were barred from carrying more than 100 passengers on outbound flights, citing instructions from the Civil Aviation Authority and the defence establishment.