Stop! Cuddle time capped to three minutes at airport, rule goes viral

An airport in New Zealand has gone viral after it introduced a three-minute time-limit on hugs.

Dunedin Airport in Momona on New Zealand's South Island capped cuddle time in its designated drop-off area to reduce traffic congestion.

A sign outside the airport was erected saying: "Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park."

The airport has made global headlines for its unusual approach. Some social media have defended the move claiming cuddles don't need to be anywhere near three minutes and others have suggested the airport has no right to put a timer on goodbyes.

Dunedin Airport chief executive Dan De Bono told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint program it was about making sure the drop-off area wasn't being hogged and there was enough space for everyone to say goodbye.

"There's only so much space we have in the drop-off area, and too many people are spending too much time with their fonder farewells in the drop-off zone, there's no space left for others," Mr De Bono told the radio program.

He said research indicated you needed 20 seconds for your body to release oxytocin [sometimes referred to as the "love drug"] from the hug - anything less and you wouldn't get the hormones, and anything longer and you might be getting into the awkward territory.

He admitted the airport wanted to have a bit of fun with the messaging.

"It's caused quite a stir. We've got quite a bit of conversation going," he told RNZ.