This Airport Has a 3-Minute Hug Limit When Dropping Off Loved Ones

At Dunedin Airport, the warning sign has been erected in the drop-off zone. It warns passengers, “Max hug time three minutes. For fonder farewells, please use the car park.”

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The airport’s chief executive, Dan De Bono, tells Radio New Zealand that the rule was introduced to address the issue of passengers taking too long in the drop-off zone, hindering traffic flow and potentially causing safety concerns.

“We’re trying to have fun with it,” De Bono says. “It is an airport, and those drop-off locations are common locations for farewells. But there’s no space left for others.” He adds that some travelers have been taking too long at the drop-off zone, which the airport deemed inappropriate.

The new rule has sparked a lively debate on Facebook, with critics arguing that it is “inhumane” and an invasion of privacy.

Others have praised the airport for its lighthearted approach to the issue, especially when many airports worldwide have unreasonable drop-off fees.

“I love it,” says a Facebook commenter. “It shows warmth and compassion. At my local airport, it would be “you can’t stop there.” There’s a $130 fine if you stop and a minimum of $6.50 to drop someone off in the drop-off zone.

While one person questions who would want to hug someone for three minutes, others share slogans from similar signs at their local airports. Erica Ra from Aalborg, Denmark, posts a photo showing the sign at Aalborg Airport, which reads, “No kisses above three minutes.” Nice in France and Split in Croatia also have a “Kiss and Fly” zone encouraging passengers to pucker up and move on.

Back in Dunedin, De Bono clarifies that the airport does not have a dedicated “hug police” to enforce the rule. Instead, staff will politely remind passengers to move to the car park if things get a little too emotional and hugs go on too long.