WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Airports are often the backdrop for emotional goodbyes, but in Dunedin, New Zealand, you’ll need to keep it brief. A newly implemented three-minute limit on farewell hugs in the airport’s drop-off zone aims to prevent prolonged embraces from causing traffic congestion.
Signs posted outside the terminal caution, “Max hug time three minutes,” and suggest those desiring “more heartfelt goodbyes” relocate to the airport’s parking area.
CEO Dan De Bono explained to the Associated Press on Tuesday that the hug restriction, introduced in September, was designed to “maintain a smooth flow” in the revamped passenger drop-off zone. The airport wanted to emphasize that the area was intended for “swift goodbyes” only.
De Bono noted that the signs have sparked a divide among social media users.
“We faced accusations of violating basic human rights and received criticism for limiting the duration of a hug,” he said, while also noting that some people have embraced the new rule.
The signs were conceived as a more friendly alternative to those at other airports threatening wheel clamping or fines for drivers lingering in drop-off zones. Some airports in Britain have even introduced charges for all drop-offs, regardless of their duration.
Dunedin’s airport — a humble terminal serving a city of 135,000 residents on New Zealand’s South Island — opted for a “unique” approach, according to De Bono.
He believes three minutes is “ample time to pull up, bid your loved ones goodbye, and move on.” He added, ”The time limit is really a more pleasant way of saying, you know, hurry up.”
De Bono also pointed out that a 20-second hug is sufficient to trigger the release of the happiness-enhancing hormones oxytocin and serotonin. Anything longer, he joked, was “really awkward.”
However, passengers shouldn’t be overly concerned about enforcement. “We do not have hug police,” De Bono assured.
Visitors who can’t resist a longer farewell might be directed to the parking lot, where they can enjoy a free cuddle for up to 15 minutes.



I disagree. It’s nice to have a little extra time for goodbyes at the airport.
Disagree. Quick goodbyes only lead to rushed emotions.
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