Dunedin Airport, the second largest on New Zealand's South Island, has imposed a three-minute limit on farewell hugs in the passenger drop-off zone. For those who need more time, an alternative has been offered: "For a more tender farewell, please use the car park".
A photo of the airport's announcement went viral on Facebook, sparking a wave of outraged comments from users who were upset about the introduction of hugging limits and the perceived restriction of personal freedoms.
However, some users were simply glad that the airport had a free drop-off zone at all, given the general increase in fees and fines.
Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel de Bono commented on the matter in an interview with New Zealand radio station RNZ. Calling airports "breeding grounds for emotions," he cited research that shows a 20-second hug is enough to release oxytocin, the "love hormone." At the same time, he argued that faster passenger turnover would allow more people to receive hugs and, consequently, a dose of the important hormone.
Like most airports worldwide, Dunedin Airport allows free parking for up to 15 minutes.
Blogs
