Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has implemented a new rule restricting goodbye hugs in its drop-off area to just three minutes, which has ignited a worldwide discussion on social media.
The airport’s signage explicitly states, “Max hug time 3 minutes,” and directs those desiring longer goodbyes to utilize the adjacent car park.
Credit: Dunedin New Zealand
Dunedin Airport’s new rule capping farewell hugs at the drop-off zone to three minutes has sparked a variety of responses on social media. While some have labeled the policy “inhumane,” others have commended the airport for maintaining a free drop-off area amidst increasing airport fees worldwide.
Reactions on a widely shared post on Facebook varied, with some users critiquing the time restriction while others jokingly pondered the logistics of a three-minute hug. One user mused, “Life is short,” questioning who really merits a three-minute hug.
Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel De Bono addressed the policy in an interview with RNZ radio, noting that airports are centers of high emotion. He cited research indicating that even a 20-second hug can trigger oxytocin release, promoting bonding. De Bono argued that the three-minute limit ensures that more people can say their goodbyes without causing congestion.
Social media feedback was split. Many were taken aback that Dunedin still provides a free drop-off zone, contrasting with the experience at many global airports where high fees or penalties are common. A UK user commented, “At my local airport, you can’t even stop without risking a fine.” Another concurred, emphasizing that “You can’t put a time limit on hugs” given the increasing charges elsewhere.
An RAC report highlighted that in the UK, airports like Gatwick and Birmingham charge up to £6 for just 10 minutes in their drop-off zones, making Dunedin’s policy seem relatively generous.
One user reflected, “Who would I hug for three minutes? Only a few people, but it makes you think about how precious time is.”
In response to the controversy, De Bono pointed out that the airport’s parking lot offers a 15-minute free stay, providing an alternative space for longer farewells away from the terminal’s hustle.
This policy has ignited a global conversation about whether such time constraints on goodbyes should be standard at airports, with some advocating for similar regulations worldwide.