WELLINGTON, New Zealand — At the Dunedin Airport, travelers will soon notice a new regulation aimed at curbing prolonged goodbyes. A three-minute limit has been instituted on farewells in the drop-off area, designed to keep traffic moving and avoid congestion caused by long goodbye hugs.
Signage at the terminal indicates, “Max hug time three minutes,” and encourages those wishing to enjoy longer farewells to proceed to the airport’s parking lot.
This policy was implemented last month with the intention of ensuring a smooth flow in the revamped passenger drop-off zone. Dunedin Airport’s CEO, Daniel De Bono, explained that the aim was to remind visitors that the designated area was strictly for brief farewells.
De Bono noted that the announcement has sparked considerable discussion, with some people reacting strongly to the idea of being told how long they can embrace their loved ones.
Instead of resorting to warnings about wheel clamping or fines—common practices at various airports—Dunedin opted for this lighthearted approach. Some airports in the United Kingdom have even begun charging fees for brief drop-offs.
Since Dunedin serves a smaller population of approximately 135,000 residents, De Bono believed a quirky rule would resonate better with the community.
“It’s really about creating space for others to enjoy their farewells as well,” he stated in an interview. “We noticed that some groups were occupying the drop-off zone for longer than necessary.”
According to De Bono, a hug lasting about 20 seconds is sufficient to trigger the release of beneficial hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. Longer embraces, however, may become uncomfortable and awkward for those waiting in line.
Despite the new guideline, he reassured the public that there would be no strict enforcement of the rule. “We’re not going to call the hug police,” he said with a chuckle.
For those who wish to prolong their farewells, they are welcome to move to the parking lot where hugs can continue for up to 15 minutes at no additional cost.