Wellington — A New Zealand airport has imposed a three-minute limit on goodbye hugs, sparking a global debate over how long to hold on for a hug. Bosses at Dunedin International Airport in the south say they are surprised by the viral reaction to their new car drop-off zone rule.
“To keep everything running smoothly, we have installed new signage, including the ‘Maximum hug duration 3 minutes’ sign,” said airport general manager Daniel De Bono. “It’s our way of being a little quirky and reminding people that the drop-off zone is for quick goodbyes.”
“And don’t worry,” added De Bono, “a simple 20-second hug is enough to release oxytocin and serotonin, the happy hormones that boost well-being, so three minutes is more than enough to say goodbye and take your dose.” happiness.”
Sarah Soper/AP
People who want a longer hug can use the parking lot, where the first 15 minutes are free, he added.
The hug restriction made headlines around the world and sparked a divided response online.
“I’m just glad there’s no minimum length for a hug. A ‘see you soon’ is enough,” one woman commented on the airport’s Facebook page.
“Hugs Police!? This is just weird! Hugs are proven to have many benefits, not to mention mental health,” another poster said.
The small airport, which was used by fewer than a million passengers last year, said it imposed the time limit on hugs in September, with little initial reaction.
“We’ve just been surprised by the interest there has been globally,” said Sarah Soper, the airport’s marketing and communications manager.
