Whether we’re welcoming family and friends at the airport or saying farewell, usually it always involves hugging. Sometimes the hugs are quick and sometimes they last a lot longer.
An airport in New Zealand is trying to prevent passengers from hugging too long. Dunedin Airport says they’re only allowing visitors to hug for a maximum of three minutes in certain areas. According to Dan De Bono, the airport CEO, it’s to create space in the drop-off zone. He suggests that for those who want fonder farewells, they should go use the car park instead.
Signs have been posted all over the airport which has made for entertaining pictures and debates on social media. Some feel the policy is rather rude while others had a great chuckle over it.
Rather than impose fines or clamping vehicle tires for parking to long, the airport chose to go a rather unorthodox move which has caused some backlash for the airport. De Bono has told various media outlets that he’s heard complaints stating human rights have been breached as a result of the rule. Regardless, he feels three minutes is long enough to hug someone and keep traffic flowing relatively smoothly. If you ever find yourself in Dunedin, NZ, watch out where you show your public displays of affection!
Dunedin is the second largest city on the south island of New Zealand with a population of around 135,000 people. The city is home to the country’s fifth busiest airport handing an average of 920,000 people yearly.
(photo from Dunedin Airport Facebook page)
