NZ Airport's 3-Minute Cuddle Cap Sparks Outcry

3-Minute Farewell: Controversy Brews Over NZ Airport's Strict New Limit

An extended goodbye hug from a loved one can land you in hot water at an airport in New Zealand. The international airport in Dunedin, South Island, has instituted a three-minute hug limit as part of a broader drive to maintain flow at the drop-off zone and enhance safety.

The airport's drop-off area has a notice that reads, "Maximum hug time: 3 minutes." Please use the parking lot for more heartfelt farewells.” Chief Executive Dan De Bono of Dunedin Airport told Radio New Zealand that the airport aims to prevent "quite intense" warning messages at airport drop-off zones, which include threats to clamp wheels or apply fines. De Bono stated that travellers occasionally exploited the drop-off zone to indulge in last-minute amorous actions.

“We’re trying to have fun with it. It is an airport, and those drop-off locations are common for farewells,” De Bono told RNZ, adding that too many people were taking too long in the drop-off zone.

“There’s no space left for others,” he said. “It’s about enabling others to have hugs.” 

“Airports are hotbeds of emotion … our staff have seen some interesting things over the years.”

Critics have informed the airport that they cannot set the duration of an embrace, citing a Facebook post that has received tens of thousands of views and comments. One commentator called the policy "inhumane." Others have complimented the airport on its welcoming demeanour during a period when airports globally implement drop-off fees.

Although workers may gently encourage lingerers to enter the parking lot, De Bono stated that the airport will not have a dedicated hug police unit to enforce the restriction.

“We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug; it’s more of a message to move on and provide space for others.”