Passengers were seen sleeping on floor near the Goa airport's departure gate. (Representational Image)

A picture of several passengers sleeping on the floor near the Goa airport's departure gate has been widely circulated on social media, prompting authorities to issue instructions that such incidents should not take place again.

In the picture that went viral, several passengers who arrived in Goa on Sunday night were seen sleeping on the floor near the airport's departure gate with their footwear scattered around, making it look like a scene at a railway station.

Several people on social media, including the ruling coalition member Goa Forward Party's vice president Durgadas Kamat, expressed their concern.

"Scene @aaigoaairport. Do we need such cheap tourist in Goa? @aaigoaairport should act on this. We don't need scum like these to visit Goa. We need quality tourists, who will come, spend and enjoy Goa and its beauty. #BrandGoa cannot be compromised at any cost," Mr Kamat said in a tweet.

Scene @aaigoaairport .Do we need such cheap tourist in Goa ? @aaigoaairport should act on this . We don't need scum like these to visit Goa. We need quality tourist ,who will come ,spend & enjoy Goa & its beauty . #BrandGoa cannot be compromised at any cost. pic.twitter.com/tCvE1sbizw — Durgadas Kamat (@durgadasskamat) July 8, 2019

A Goa-based journalist in a tweet said such a sight was embarrassing and that it was time to take tourism more seriously in the state.

Many also pointed out that the Goa airport is part of the Navy's INS Hansa base, which is home to several fighter squadrons, including MiG 29K and the sleeping passengers were a security failure as well.

Responding to the tweets, Goa airport director Gagan Malik said he has asked the officials concerned to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

"We share your concern. This is one of the kind incident and noted with due concern. The instructions to concerned have been issued to be more watchful and ensure no repeat," Mr Malik tweeted.

"Thanks for bringing the matter to notice. The concerned have been directed to note this exceptional situation occurred. Shall be dealt appropriately with no repeats in future," he said in another tweet.