Amazon eyes major drone delivery growth

Amazon is preparing for an expansion of its Prime Air drone delivery service. In early 2026, Amazon began international drone operations from Darlington, England, delivering eligible items via autonomous MK30 drones. This initial service served as a testbed, and the company is now seeking regulatory approval to expand coverage across Darlington and throughout the United Kingdom.In the United States, Amazon plans a substantial rollout, targeting nearly 500 cities and towns by the end of 2026. Prime Air aims for deliveries as fast as thirty minutes from order placement to doorstep. This ambitious plan involves establishing numerous drone delivery hubs, initially focusing on densely populated suburban areas.The advanced MK30 drones are designed for efficiency and safety, enabling longer flights and operations in diverse weather conditions. They incorporate sophisticated detect-and-avoid technology for autonomous airspace monitoring and real-time safety decisions. Eligible packages, weighing five pounds or less, cover over sixty percent of frequently purchased products.Amazon has already completed hundreds of thousands of drone deliveries this year, securing essential certifications from aviation authorities for scaling its networks. These certifications, such as the FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate in the U.S., are crucial for commercial drone operations. While initial drone delivery plans for Italy were halted in late 2025, Amazon's push highlights its commitment to transforming last-mile logistics, aiming to make drone delivery a widespread and reliable option for customers globally.