This Airport Limits Time For Passengers Who Want To Hug A Maximum Of 3 Minutes

Illustration of aircraft at Dunedin Wikimedia Commons International Airport Jer dv

JAKARTA - New Zealand Airport imposes a maximum time limit of three minutes, for passengers wishing to conduct farewell hugs, a rule that sparked debate around the world about how long a person could hug.

International airport officials in the southern city of Dunedin said they were surprised by the viral response to their new rules in the zone of decreasing car passengers.

"In order for everything to run smoothly, we have put up a new sign, including the sign 'Security time is a maximum of 3 minutes'," said Dunedin International Airport chief executive Daniel De Bono, quoted from CBS News October 25.

"That's our way of being a little unique and reminding people that the passenger's dropping zone is for a short separation," he continued.

"And don't worry," added De Bono, "Creating for 20 seconds alone is enough to release oxytocin and serotonin, a happy hormone that improves welfare, so three minutes is enough to say goodbye and get your dose of happiness."

"People who want to hug longer can use the parking lot, where the first 15 minutes are free," he added.

The airport used by less than 1 million passengers last year said it had imposed a time limit for cuddling in September, with little initial reaction.

"We were just surprised to see how big global interest is," said airport marketing and communications executive Sarah Soper.

However, this restriction policy made headlines globally, sparking diverse online responses.

"I'm glad there is no limit to cuddling the minimum. The'see you' speech is enough," a woman commented on the airport's Facebook page.

"Police Hug!? This is strange! Hugs are proven to have many benefits, not to mention mental health," said another upload.