An airport has sparked controversy after installing a sign that restricts the duration of farewell hugs.

Authorities at Dunedin Airport in New Zealand suggest “fonder farewells” should take place outside the premises with a new sign that reads: “Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park.”

The sign has been labelled “inhumane” by those who saw it in a viral Facebook post.

The tongue-in-cheek warning has triggered a wave of online outrage from individuals who believe they should be allowed to bid their loved ones goodbye warmly within the airport. However, some have supported the ban, calling for its implementation in airports worldwide.

One man commented: “We need this sign up in Auckland too.”

“In Denmark Scandinavia we have a ‘kiss goodbye zone’ at some airports,” read another Facebook comment. One more person said: “I love it. It shows warmth and compassion. My local airport it would be ‘you can’t stop there’ – there’s a £100 fine if you stop and a minimum £5 to drop someone off in the drop-off zone. I love Nice airport – they have ‘Kiss and Fly’.”

Some were taken aback by the concept of a three-minute hug. “This got me thinking… Who are the people I would hug for 3 minutes? There are a very few, mostly family, and a dear long time friend,” one wrote. “But in spite of the humour of this sign, it’s something to think about. Life is short.”

But the very notion of restrictions on hugging sparked fury among some individuals. One person exclaimed: “This is insane. Now they are putting rules around farewells? Is nothing sacred?” In response, another countered: “Assuming you’re not joking, it’s to keep traffic moving at busy times. You’d hate to be stuck in a long queue before the drop-off zone if you were in a rush.”

What do you think of the new hugging rule? Let us know in the comments below!