An airport in New Zealand has been controversial for limiting passengers' hugs to three minutes.
According to local media such as the New Zealand Herald on the 19th local time, Dunedin Airport recently limited the hug time of users to three minutes and installed a sign reading "Use the parking lot if you want a friendlier goodbye."
Currently, Dunedin Airport allows vehicles visiting the airport to park for free for 15 minutes, and the move was reportedly made due to delays in airport operations due to longer goodbye time for passengers.
Daniel de Bono, CEO of Dunedin Airport, told local radio, "Three minutes is enough for a farewell hug," referring to a study that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin, the hormone of love. He added, "If we move passengers quickly, more people will be able to hug."
When the news became known, local netizens criticized the airport's actions as "inhumane."
Some Internet users voiced criticism toward the airport, saying, "There should be no time limit on hugging," and "It is an inhumane rule."
On the other hand, positive reactions continued, such as "I'm surprised that it still allows free use of airport parking lots for 15 minutes" and "A similar sign (maximum hug time of 10 seconds) is needed not only at the airport but also at the school drop-off area."
Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.
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