By Sarah Rainsford BBC correspondent in Moscow

Security has been stepped up since two attacks in August

The passengers refused to allow the plane to take off until two Egyptian women they accused of behaving in a suspicious manner were removed.

It is the second time a Moscow flight has been delayed this way in a week.

Last month two Russian planes were blown-up by suicide bombers, killing 89 passengers and crew.

Air passenger panic is becoming a regular occurrence in Russia.

This time, passengers became suspicious of two Egyptian women who were late boarding their flight in Moscow on Wednesday.

Airport staff say that was because the women underwent additional security checks, but a group of passengers demanded their removal from the plane nonetheless.

Arrests

The twin suicide attacks on two planes in August have sent some here into blind panic, causing them to take caution to apparently xenophobic extremes.

Three tourists from the Caucasus were removed from a plane on Monday - and two Chechen women were forced off another recent flight when the pilot himself refused to take-off with them on board.

The government commission charged with investigating the suicide bombings, has now issued some initial recommendations.

It suggests psychological tests for passengers should be introduced alongside more stringent security inspections.

It is also calling for more federal funds to update equipment and tougher sanctions for staff who violate security procedures.