Dunedin Airport in New Zealand introduces a 3-minute goodbye rule; know all about it

In a bid to reduce traffic, Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has introduced a unique policy, which has a three-minute time limit for farewell hugs in its passenger drop-off zone. Sounds interesting, right? The policy aims to keep the flow of traffic smooth. The airport might be small but it serves over 135,000 residents on New Zealand’s South Island.

Drop-off zone with ‘Max hug time three minutes’ board
The interesting details were shared by Dan De Bono, the airport’s CEO. He said that the decision was taken to avoid traffic that is because of prolonged farewells. The drop-off region now has a sign reading Max hug time three minutes.

It also advises those who wish to spend more time saying goodbye to move their farewells to the parking zone. De Bono also said that the three-minute limit was seen as a more lighthearted alternative to stricter measures.
Alternatives adopted by other countries

In some airports in the United Kingdom, for instance, drivers must pay a fee even for brief drop-offs. Other airports have wheel clamping or issue fines for overstaying in drop-off zones. De Bono also said that three minutes is more than sufficient for most passengers to bid farewell to their loved ones.

“It’s plenty of time to pull up, say goodbye, and move on,” he said. The CEO also noted that a 20-second hug is enough to trigger the release of wellbeing-boosting hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which can help people feel more connected. He joked that longer embraces could become “really awkward” and assured that the time limit is meant as a friendly nudge rather than a strict rule.

“We do not have hug police,” De Bono added, clarifying that enforcement will be limited to reminders for people to move to the car park if they need more time.


The decision has generated a lively discussion online, with photos of the sign quickly going viral. Social media users have been divided in their opinions, with some arguing that the rule infringes on personal freedoms, even going as far as to accuse the airport of violating human rights by limiting how long someone can hug.

Others have appreciated the quirky approach, seeing it as a fun and practical way to keep traffic flowing without resorting to harsher penalties.