New Zealand’s Dunedin Airport Limits Hug Time To 3 Mins; Says, “For Fonder Goodbyes, Use The Car Park”

There is a truism that goes, “Airports have seen more sincere kisses than wedding halls and the walls of hospitals have heard more sincere prayers than the walls of churches.” It doesn’t seem as intuitive but airports can truly be rife with sentiment. Be that as it may, it is also an institution that thrives on efficiency. And although not impossible, marrying the two can be difficult. However, New Zealand’s Dunedin Airport made one such bid.

New Zealand’s Dunedin Airport Limits Hug Time To Three Mins

Managing vehicular traffic at an airport can be quite tricky. Recently, the Dunedin Airport in New Zealand passed a rule that limits hugs at the airport. As per a sign at the airport, hugs can only last a maximum of three minutes. It cited traffic issues as the reason for such a move.

According to an article which was recently published by The Times Of India or TOI, the matter first came to light when a picture of the sign was shared in a group on Facebook. It incited mixed responses from the people online.

In a bid to justify the rule, the Chief Executive Officer or the CEO of the Dunedin Airport, Daniel De Bono, cited some scientific research highlighting the benefits of short hugs. He stated that hugs that last around 20 seconds release oxytocin which is the love hormone.

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New Rule Incites Mixed Responses From People Online

While a number of people found the sign to be quite thoughtful and considerate, many others felt that the attempt at regulating hugs was crossing the line. Some even drew comparisons with the States.

If reports are to go by, saying heartfelt goodbyes to people at American airports is even more difficult. But whether limiting hug time is a wise move, only time can tell.

Also Read: Flying E-Taxis To Ease Traffic Congestion & Travel Time To Bengaluru Airport; Reach Airport From City In A Few Minutes

What do you think about the rule regulating hugs? Do you think this efficiency at the cost of emotion is worth pursuing? How long do you think your goodbyes are? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons and @zappawaddawadda/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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