An airport in New Zealand has implemented a three-minute limit on farewell hugs in an effort to prevent traffic jams at the terminal. The CEO of Dunedin airport, Dan De Bono, explained that the measure was put in place to keep things moving smoothly and recommended that those seeking longer goodbyes should head to the airport’s car park instead. The restriction has sparked a polarized reaction on social media, with some criticizing it as a breach of human rights while others welcomed the change.
De Bono clarified that the three-minute limit is intended as a more friendly alternative to harsher measures used at other airports, such as fines for drivers parked in drop-off areas. The airport, which serves a small city on the South Island, chose to take a more “quirky” approach with this regulation. The CEO highlighted that a short hug of 20 seconds is enough to release feel-good hormones and suggested that anything longer might become awkward.
Despite the new rule, De Bono emphasized that there will be no strict enforcement, as the airport does not have “hug police.” Instead, staff will simply inform individuals of the time limit and urge them to move to the designated car park. In conclusion, the airport’s aim is to create a smoother traffic flow while still allowing passengers to bid farewell to their loved ones in a timely manner.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com