Amazon Launches First Drone Delivery Service in UK from Darlington

Amazon has launched its first drone delivery service in the United Kingdom, offering selected customers in Darlington, County Durham, same-day air delivery of small parcels. The programme, operational as of this week, uses the company's MK30 drones to transport items weighing under 2.2kg from a local fulfilment centre to homes within a 7.5-mile radius.

The service marks Amazon's first international expansion of its Prime Air drone delivery system, following years of testing and prior launches in five U.S. states. Eligible products include batteries, beauty supplies and electronic accessories. Each drone flight is autonomous, using GPS and onboard sensors to avoid obstacles and lower packages into designated drop zones. Amazon plans up to 10 drone flights per hour, supporting approximately 100 deliveries on weekdays.

David Carbon, vice president of Amazon Prime Air, said customer demand for faster delivery remains strong, citing urgent needs like medicine for children. Local resident Rob Shield, who hosted early trials on his farm, said initial curiosity gave way to practical use. The drones previously conducted test flights in Cambridge in 2016, with one early delivery completed in 13 minutes.

The UK rollout follows technical setbacks, including an incident in Dallas, Texas, earlier this year where an MK30 drone struck an apartment building after veering off course. No injuries were reported. Civil Aviation Authority regulations require strict flight safety protocols, which Amazon says are fully implemented in Darlington.

The company will monitor delivery performance and public response as it evaluates potential expansion to other UK locations. The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to review operational data in the coming months.