Russia's aviation authority announced on Thursday the temporary closure of five airports, including all four Moscow airports and one in Kaluga, located 160km southwest of the capital.

The aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia did not provide a reason for the closures.

In a statement, Rosaviatsia said: "Aircraft crews, air traffic controllers and airport services are taking all necessary measures to ensure flight safety."

The statement comes amid reports a Russian missile defence system may have been responsible for an Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash yesterday that killed 38 people.

Moscow's Vnukovo International AirportGETTY

Nato on Thursday called for a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J28243," Nato spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said in a post on the platform X.

"We wish those injured in the crash a speedy recovery and call for a full investigation."

The flight was diverted from an area of Russia that Moscow has recently defended against Ukrainian drone attacks.

General view of Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Thursday that Russia was investigating the incident.