Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has sparked attention with a unique sign in its arrivals area, restricting hugs to a maximum of three minutes.
Referred to the Parking Lot
The sign, which has gone viral on social media, urges passengers and their loved ones to limit the time spent embracing in the drop-off zone. "For more affectionate farewells, please use the parking," the sign humorously advises, according to a report by Digi24
The three-minute rule has drawn mixed reactions online. Some Facebook users were outraged by the restriction, criticizing the airport for limiting such emotional moments.
Others, however, expressed surprise that Dunedin Airport still offers a free drop-off area at all, noting that many airports around the world have introduced additional fees and fines in these zones.
Airports are Hotspots of Emotion
In response to the viral attention, Daniel De Bono, the chief executive of Dunedin Airport, addressed the issue in an interview with New Zealand’s RNZ radio station.
De Bono explained that airports are "hotspots of emotion" and referenced a study suggesting that a 20-second hug is enough to release oxytocin, known as the "love hormone."
He emphasized that quicker goodbyes allow more people to share their farewells, ensuring that everyone can get their chance for a heartfelt hug without causing delays.
Dunedin Airport, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a modestly busy regional hub. The airport handles approximately 500,000 passengers per year, or roughly 1,400 passengers per day.
It is primarily serviced by Air New Zealand, the country’s flagship carrier, and Jetstar Airways, a low-cost airline. These airlines provide regular flights to major domestic destinations, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, as well as occasional international flights.
The airport’s parking lot, where De Bono admits the staff has "seen interesting things happen over the years," offers 15 minutes of free parking for longer goodbyes.
Photo: Dunedin Airport/Facebook
