"20 Seconds Is Enough, Don’t Hug for More Than 3 Minutes"…New Airport Rule Causes Stir

Prolonged Farewell Time Causes Operational Disruptions
"Just 20 Seconds of Hugging Triggers 'Love Hormone' Surge"
"Inhumane Rule" vs "Appropriate Measure"

When a New Zealand airport limited passengers' hugging time to 3 minutes, a debate among users ensued.

Stock photo unrelated to the article content

According to local media such as the New Zealand Herald on the 19th (local time), Dunedin Airport restricted passengers' hugging time to 3 minutes in the vehicle drop-off zone and installed a sign that read, "If you want a more affectionate farewell, please use the parking lot." Currently, Dunedin Airport allows vehicles visiting the airport for seeing off passengers to park for free for 15 minutes, but this measure is interpreted as a response to operational disruptions caused by prolonged farewell times at the airport.

Daniel De Bono, CEO of Dunedin Airport, stated in an interview with New Zealand RNZ Radio, "There is research showing that hugging for 20 seconds can trigger a surge of oxytocin, the 'love hormone,'" and added, "If we move customers quickly, more people can hug."

Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has limited the hugging time for passengers to 3 minutes. [Source=Facebook]

The photo of the sign went viral on social media, garnering 56,000 likes and 1,400 comments. Netizens showed mixed reactions to the airport's measure. Some expressed anger, saying, "Limiting hugging time is absurd," and "It's an inhumane rule," while others commented, "It's surprising that the airport still allows 15 minutes of free parking," and "Since flight departure delays can result in fees and fines, this measure seems appropriate to prevent disruptions."