Cuddle on a deadline: Why is a New Zealand airport restricting hugs to 3 minutes?

In an unusual move, an airport in New Zealand has imposed a three-minute time limit on farewell hugs.

The international airport in Dunedin, a city in New Zealand’s South Island, has introduced a new sign in its drop-off zone that reads, “max hug time 3 minutes”, along with a suggestion: “For fonder farewells please use the car park."

This quirky rule has quickly gained attention on social media, where reactions are split. While some found the idea amusing, others criticised it as “inhumane” for putting a cap on emotional goodbyes.

So, what’s the rationale behind this? What do airport officials have to say about the new rule? Here’s what we know

Time your hugs

The photo of the sign, posted to the Facebook group “The view from my window” earlier this week, sparked a debate about appropriate farewell etiquette at the airport’s departure zones.

One person commented, “I love it. It shows warmth and compassion. My local airport it would be ‘you can’t stop there’ - there’s a £100 fine if you stop and a minimum £5.00 to drop someone off in the drop-off zone. I love Nice airport - they have ‘Kiss and Fly’.”

Others also joined in joking about the the odd new rule, with one person writing, “I can see the airport worker now… 2:56, 2:57, 2:58, 2:59 OK time to break it up!”

Another user sarcastically referenced American airports, saying “In America, they don’t even want you to stop. Just come to a slow roll and push your passenger out.”

While many took the three-minute hug rule lightheartedly, some reflected on the emotional aspect.

“This got me thinking…. Who are the people I would hug for 3 minutes? There are a very few, mostly family, and a dear long-time friend. But in spite of the humour of this sign, it’s something to think about. Life is short,” shared one user.

The decision also drew criticism, with one user labelling the restriction as “inhumane” and insisted that “you can’t put a time limit on hugs”.

Catch flights, not feelings

During an interview with New Zealand’s RNZ radio, Daniel De Bono, CEO of Dunedin Airport, shared insights into the airport’s newly implemented time limit in the drop-off zone.

He described airports as “emotional hotspots,” highlighting that many people were taking too long to say their farewells.

“There’s only so much space we have in that drop-off area and too many people are spending too much time on their fonder farewells in the drop-off area. There’s no space left for others,” he said.  

De Bono emphasised that encouraging shorter farewells allows more individuals the opportunity for their goodbye hugs. He referenced a study suggesting that a 20-second hug can trigger the release of the “love hormone,” oxytocin, and serotonin, promoting emotional well-being.

While there won’t be a designated unit of “hug police” enforcing the rule, De Bono noted that airport staff might politely request lingering farewells to move to the car park.

“We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for. It’s more a message of, ‘Please move onwards,’” he stated.

For those who need more time, De Bono said the parking lot provides an alternative, allowing a 15-minute stay for free. He then humorously added that the car park has hosted its fair share of emotional goodbyes, “Our team has witnessed some interesting things over the years."

Additionally, the airport has redesigned the drop-off zone to enhance safety and alleviate congestion around the terminal.

De Bono remarked, “We’ve relocated the drop-off zone to improve traffic flow and safety around the terminal. By shifting it, we reduce congestion and make it easier for passengers to be dropped off safely."

With input from agencies