The Palestinian Authority's leadership on Wednesday demanded the Greek government act after two Arab passengers were expelled from an Israel-bound flight, saying the decision to remove the pair was "reminiscent" of apartheid, AFP reports.

Two Arab passengers with Israeli documents were forced off an Aegean Airlines flight before it set off from Athens on Sunday after Israeli passengers felt threatened by them and protested about their presence.

After an initial complaint by passengers, the pair's documents were checked again by Greek security but no issues were found. However by this stage the protest had escalated, with dozens of passengers refusing to take off until the men were removed from the plane.