Say your goodbyes quickly: New Zealand airport imposes 3-minute hug rule

Saying goodbye at the airport wouldn’t feel right without wrapping your arms around your loved one for one last hug before they leave. However, a recent policy at Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has sparked a conversation about emotional farewells and logistical efficiency.

In an effort to prevent traffic jams, the airport has imposed a three-minute hug limit at drop-off areas, encouraging quick farewells while still allowing for heartfelt moments. This regulation was implemented in September to help maintain a smooth flow of traffic.

“Max hug time 3 minutes,” the sign read outside the terminal, which also recommended that those wanting "fonder farewells” should go to the airport’s parking lot.

In an interview, Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel de Bono said that they were only "trying to have fun with it" as drop-off locations are usually the most common locations for goodbyes.

He explained that too many people were taking too long in the drop-off zone, leaving "no space" for others.

De Bono is aware of the mixed reactions the sign generated on social media. Some were amused, others called it "inhumane."

“We were accused of breaching basic human rights and how dare we limit how long someone can have a hug for,” he said, as per the Associated Press.

De Bono added that three minutes is “plenty of time to pull up, say farewell to your loved ones, and move on.” He pointed out that according to science, a 20-second hug is sufficient to trigger the release of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone.” 

The CEO also clarified that they “do not have [a] hug police.”

"We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for, it’s more the message of please move on and provide space for others," he reiterated.

Dunedin Airport's three-minute limit acts as a substitute for the harsher measures seen at other airports, such as wheel clamping or fines for drivers using drop-off zones. In the UK, some airports even impose charges for short drop-offs.