A new rule at an airport in New Zealand limits farewell hugs to three minutes in order to prevent traffic congestion and keep things running smoothly. The CEO of Dunedin airport, Dan De Bono, explained that the measure was implemented in September to avoid long goodbyes causing delays at the transport hub.
A sign in the drop-off area now states, “Max hug time three minutes,” advising those who want longer farewells to use the airport’s car park instead. The decision has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing it as a violation of human rights while others support the effort to manage traffic flow.
De Bono clarified that the three-minute limit is a more lenient approach compared to other airports that impose fines or fees for extended drop-offs. He described the rule as a gentle reminder for people to say their goodbyes efficiently and move on.
Despite the time restriction, airport staff won’t be monitoring hugs and enforcing the rule strictly. De Bono emphasized that there are no “hug police” at the airport and that the main goal is to encourage a quick farewell process for the benefit of all passengers.
