Hugs on the clock: Dunedin airport's embrace limit sparks debate
The international airport in Dunedin, New Zealand, has introduced a rule limiting the duration of farewells within the airport. Passengers will have a maximum of three minutes for hugging on the airport premises.
Reports of this controversial rule have made headlines in news services worldwide, according to the New Zealand radio station RNZ on Monday. The New York Post described introducing the new rule at the airport as "inhumane." According to the Times of India, it is a "bizarre regulation" that "sparked a lively debate online."
Three-minute hugging limit at the airport
The airport management explains that the three-minute limit aims to streamline passenger flow and ensure greater safety in the terminal area. It notes that if someone wishes to say goodbye to loved ones for longer, they can do so in the car park.
Airport director Daniel De Bono told RNZ that he himself is a "hugging enthusiast." He cited scientific studies indicating that a 20-second embrace is sufficient for the body to begin releasing oxytocin, known as the happiness hormone.
De Bono announced that there will be no special police units at the airport to enforce the new rule, but staff may politely ask individuals lingering too long at the airport to move to the car park.
– We are not here to dictate how long people should hug; rather, we want to convey: move on and give others space – he added.
