A purported picture of several passengers sleeping on the floor near Goa airport’s departure gate has been widely circulated on social media, sparking comparisons with a railway station and prompting the authorities to issue instructions that such an incident should not recur.

Goa airport is part of the navy’s INS Hansa base, which is home to several fighter squadrons, including the MiG 29K.

In the picture, several passengers who arrived in Goa on Sunday night were purportedly seen sleeping on the floor near the airport’s departure gate with their footwear scattered around and their luggage resting at the base of counters.

Several Netizens, including ruling ally Goa Forward Party’s vice-president Durgadas Kamat, expressed concern, with some saying the airport was looking like a railway station.

“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,” Kamat tweeted.

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

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

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

“Thanks for bringing the matter to notice. The concerned have been directed to note this exceptional situation…. Shall be dealt appropriately with no repeats in future,” he added.