Dunedin Airport In New Zealand Implements 3-Minute Farewell Rule: What You Need To Know

Dunedin Airport located in New Zealand has come up with a rather interesting policy aimed at easing traffic congestion. This policy stipulates that there should be no more than three minutes spent on farewell hugs at the passenger drop-off area. Sounds abstract? The policy’s intention is to ensure that there is no traffic snarl in that particular area. This might be an airport in a small town but over 135,000 people living in South Island of New Zealand use it.

Dunedin Airport In New Zealand Implements 3-Minute Farewell Rule: What You Need To Know

Read More: 22 Pollution Hotspots Identified In New Delhi, Sparking Air Quality Concerns

This was revealed by Dan De Bono who is the Chief Executive officer of the airport. He stated that This was done in order to control the traffic caused by the extended farewells. The drop-off zone now sport a sign that reads Max hug time three minutes.

It also suggests the individuals who would like to take long, sweet time with parting to do so in the parking zone. De Bono also mentioned that the time frame of three minutes was meant to be a humorous option instead of a rigid enforcement of the policy.

In some airports in the United Kingdom, for example, there is a requirement that drivers pay a certain amount of money even for very brief drop-off. Overstaying in drop-off zones at different airports has wheel clamping or fine issuance, including De Bono saying that in most cases three minutes is more than enough for a passenger to say bye to his or her friends.

"It’s plenty of time to pull up, say goodbye, and move on," he remarked. The CEO also mentioned the embracing for about 20 seconds is enough to cause the release of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which enhance people’s sense of togetherness. He pointed out that such hugs could become ‘really awkward’ and assured that it is not a strict rule but rather a gentle reminder.

"We do not have hug police," De Bono clarified, meaning that this will not be enforced apart from softly asking people to proceed to the car park if they still require more time.

The news has also sparked heated debates on the internet, notably with the images of the sign going viral in no time. The netizens were quite torn with some, believing the rule violates civil liberties and even accusing the airport of breaking human rights by controlling the time spent hugging. 

Some have, however, found it to be a creative solution arguing it is a light-hearted and effective way to manage traffic without employing crazy fines.