WELLINGTON, Oct 22 – A sign at Dunedin Airport in New Zealand is going viral for setting a limit on how long people can hug in the passenger drop-off zone.
“Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park,” the recently installed sign warns passengers and their loved ones, according to German news agency (dpa).
The prohibition on extended embraces has caused some minor turbulence – especially on social media – but an airport representative said it was all in good fun.
“The signage is in line with our branding which is to be a little bit quirky and fun in how we deliver a message,” Dunedin Airport general manager business development Megan Crawford told the Stuff website.
In September, the airport operators moved the vehicle drop-off area to another location in order to improve traffic flow and safety around the terminal.
With the change came the new signs. Another one reads: “It’s hard to say goodbye so make it quick. 3 minutes max.”
The reaction has not been universally positive. “Hug Police!? This is just weird! Hugs are proven to have many benefits not to mention mental health. Hugs should be promoted not discouraged,” one Facebook user wrote.
The signs have shone on a spotlight on Dunedin, the second-largest city on New Zealand’s South Island with around 135,000 inhabitants.
Dunedin does not normally make the country’s must-see list, although it has beautiful historic buildings and a picturesque harbour.
