Uber — it’s landing at airport

Uber has finally landed at Hamilton Airport, which is good news for travellers, but not so good for taxi companies.

A drop-off and pick-up zone for Uber will be available right outside the terminal from December 4. And that makes the convenient, low-cost, mobile app-powered alternative rear its head as a commercial threat to taxis there.

When contacted by Stuff for comment, Hamilton Taxis general manager Andy Collins said it was the first he had heard of it.

‘‘We were expecting it, so it’s no surprise; what I am surprised by is that this announcement has been made and that we weren’t notified in the first instance,’’ Collins said.

‘‘We’re very disappointed. No doubt it will have an impact [on taxi patronage], just from our colleagues’ experiences of the same thing around the country at major airports.’’

But at several other terminals, restrictions are replaced on Uber drivers.

These include where they are allowed pick up customers and how long they are allowed to stop and wait for another job, if at all.

At Hamilton Airport, Uber drivers will be able to stop right outside the terminal, presenting stiffer competition to taxi drivers.

Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said he supports service to customers above all else.

‘‘All ride share and taxi companies operating at Hamilton Airport have commercial agreements with us that do not favour any particular company,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘It ultimately comes down to customer choice.’’