"Inhumane" — New Zealand Airport Introduces 3-Minute Hug Limit & Netizens Aren't Happy
Yeah, yeah, get on with it.
By Celine Low — 23 Oct 2024, 05:46 PM
An airport in New Zealand has introduced a three-minute time limit on hugs (yes, hugs) in the passenger drop-off area
Dunedin Airport has put up a number of signs reminding people to keep their farewells short and sweet.
"It's hard to say goodbye. So, make it quick, three minutes max," a sign reads.
The airport's CEO, Dan De Bono, explained that the new rule is a "nicer way" to manage traffic flow and prevent congestion. Instead of resorting to wheel clamping or hefty fines, Dunedin Airport is taking a more embracing approach.
However, it seems that the signs have not quite landed with some netizens, who have criticised the airport for limiting hugs, calling it "inhumane".
Despite this, De Bono defends the airport's cheeky policy.
"A 20-second hug is long enough to release the wellbeing-boosting hormones, oxytocin and serotonin," he said. "Three minutes is plenty of time to pull up, say farewell to your loved ones and move on."
He felt that anything longer would be really "awkward".
The airport assures travellers that they don't have "hug police" enforcing the time limit (at least "not yet anyway", as De Bono says)
For lingering farewells, the airport offers a simple solution: moving to the airport car park.
Visitors can cuddle up and loiter around the parking lot, completely free of charge for up to 15 minutes.
