The Dunedin airport in New Zealand has implemented a new rule limiting goodbye hugs to three minutes in the drop-off area to prevent traffic jams and ensure smooth operations. The airport’s CEO, Dan De Bono, stated that the restriction was necessary to keep things moving smoothly and allow more people to have hugs. De Bono emphasized that the zone is for quick farewells only and that the time limit is a gentler way of reminding people to move on. He also mentioned that a 20-second hug is long enough to release wellbeing-boosting hormones oxytocin and serotonin, and anything longer than three minutes is considered awkward.
Despite some criticism on social media, with people calling the move “inhumane,” the airport’s CEO is standing by his decision. De Bono explained that the airport’s team had seen interesting things happening over the years, prompting the need for a time limit on goodbye hugs. While other airports use wheel clamping or fines to enforce drop-off rules, Dunedin Airport has taken a quirky approach with anti-hug signs. The signs encourage people seeking fonder farewells to use the airport’s car park, where they’ll be given 15 minutes to say goodbye to their loved ones.
The CEO assured passengers that there are no hug police to enforce the three-minute time limit, and they don’t need to worry about facing penalties for exceeding the limit. De Bono stated that the three-minute limit is plenty of time to say farewell and move on, and anything longer would be considered awkward. Despite the restrictions, the airport’s CEO believes that the time limit is a nicer way of saying, “get on with it” and ensures that more people can have hugs at the airport.
New Zealand’s media has been amused by the worldwide attention the Dunedin airport is receiving due to the new hug restrictions. Rova radio station published an article poking fun at news anchors mispronouncing the city’s name and bringing more attention to the unique situation at the airport. Despite the attention, the CEO remains firm in his decision to limit goodbye hugs to three minutes in the drop-off area, emphasizing the need to keep operations running smoothly and allow for quick farewells. Overall, the airport’s approach to managing emotional farewells has sparked debate and discussion but has ultimately been implemented to ensure efficiency and prevent traffic congestion.
