Dunedin Airport in New Zealand introduces a 3-minute goodbye rule
In a bid to reduce traffic, Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has introduced a unique policy, which has a three-minute time limit for farewell hugs in its passenger drop-off zone. Sounds interesting, right? The policy aims to keep the flow of traffic smooth. The airport might be small but it serves over 135,000 residents on New Zealand’s South Island.
The interesting details were shared by Dan De Bono, the airport’s CEO. He said that the decision was taken to avoid traffic that is because of prolonged farewells. The drop-off region now has a sign reading Max hug time three minutes.
It also advises those who wish to spend more time saying goodbye to move their farewells to the parking zone. De Bono also said that the three-minute limit was seen as a more lighthearted alternative to stricter measures.
In some airports in the United Kingdom, for instance, drivers must pay a fee even for brief drop-offs. Other airports have wheel clamping or issue fines for overstaying in drop-off zones. De Bono also said that three minutes is more than sufficient for most passengers to bid farewell to their loved ones.
