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A new rule at a New Zealand airport prohibiting lengthy goodbyes at a drop-off zone has made international headlines and sparked controversy.

During a recent interview with Radio New Zealand, Dunedin Airport Executive Dan De Bono said the airport’s new 3-minute max hug time limit has caused “quite a stir.”

“There’s only so much space we have in that drop-off area. Too many people are spending too much time with their fonder farewells at the drop-off sign. There’s no space for others,” De Bono explained.

The restriction was rolled out amid changes to the drop-off zone, which the airport designed to help with traffic flow and visitor safety, according to a September news release.

A sign instructs those who want a longer embrace to “use the car park.”

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There will be no ‘hug police’

Speaking to the radio station, De Bono said people have openly opposed the time constraint. Still, De Bono noted, citing a study, that only 20 seconds is needed for people to feel the release of oxytocin, or the “cuddle hormone.”

“We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for. It’s more the message of please move on,” the official added. “If you’re going to take longer, move to the car park.”

People who exceed the 3-minute limit would be politely asked to move to the car park: “We’re not going to call the hug police,” De Bono joked.

According to The Independent, a similar sign is posted at an airport in Aalborg, Denmark, that says, “Kiss and goodbye. No Kisses above 3 mins!”

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.



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