In a world where goodbyes have always been tinged with a mix of melancholy and love, Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand has thrown a twist on the farewell ritual: a hug time limit. That’s right—next time you’re seeing off a friend or family member, you’d better keep it short and sweet. The rule, which caps hugs at three minutes in the airport’s drop-off area, was introduced last month to manage traffic and keep the area safe. New signs urge travelers to make it quick: “It’s hard to say goodbye, so make it quick. 3 minutes max.”
This might seem like something out of a rom-com gone awry, but the airport’s CEO, Daniel De Bono, assures the public there’s a heartwarming reason behind it. Speaking with Radio New Zealand, he shared that hugs don’t need to be lengthy to be meaningful—a sentiment backed by science, he says, as a solid 20-second hug is all it takes to get that oxytocin, the “love hormone,” flowing. “We’re just making sure everyone gets a chance to say their goodbyes without holding up the entire airport,” De Bono chuckled, adding that the decision came after years of observing, let’s just say, ‘extended’ embraces.
Of course, social media has had a field day with the news. Some users found the restriction endearing, with one person commenting, “Isn’t three minutes enough for a good hug?” Others were less impressed, calling it the “nanny state” at its peak. One user even jested, “Are airport staff timing us now? When does too much love become a problem?” The reactions reveal the fascinating divide on something as simple as a hug, showing just how different people are when it comes to farewells.
In the meantime, Dunedin’s three-minute rule has unexpectedly shone a spotlight on one of the world’s southernmost cities, home to around 134,600 people. As for travelers who want a more lingering goodbye, there’s an alternative: a free 15-minute parking space, just a short walk away from the drop-off area. Who knew saying goodbye could become such a timed art?
(Source: The Guardian | Associated Press)
