Should the UK approve routine nationwide aerial drone deliveries by 2027?
Amazon is trialling drone deliveries in Darlington after completing over 500 flights, seeking CAA approval to cover the whole town with packages under 5lb delivered in under two hours. The government has invested nearly £50 million in 2026 to support drone regulation, BVLOS operations and infrastructure for commercial uses including deliveries. Current rules require Specific Category authorisation for most drone deliveries with full nationwide routine use still years from approval.
33 Opinions
Not 2027, no. But at some point in the future.
Imagine this. An EV glides almost silently into your street. There are humanoid robots in racks on either side, charging. One unlocks, walks to the back, collects a parcel from a chute and begins walking to a house. The vehicle moves on; the process repeats until all robots are deployed. It does another lap, giving some a second parcel, taking back failed deliveries into the chute, while others climb back into the charger. Optimus is forecast to be <$5/hr TCO. Inevitable.
If a drone could put a delivery in a safe place, such as a shed or garage, then maybe, but then more people would lose their jobs.
Jeff Bezos has enough money without doing more people out of s job so he can play rockets & buy yachts
We should embrace technology wherever possible. If this trial is a success we should push forward
This is just next year. I am not convinced that the safety infrastructure exists for commercial drones to be wizzing around the country and see many more problems in cities. Our governments don’t properly plan the frameworks for activities which might improve our lives, everything is a rush subject to Political influence & lobbying & as always we are the guinea pigs. I can see some limited advantages rurally but would I want these things forever buzzing around? NO!
I don't want to live in a world where the skies are filled with parcels, that removes another avenue for a job for someone, and further reinforces an instant gratification obsessed society. No thank you.
It means lower costs for consumers, better service for consumers, and less congestion on the roads. Good on every level. Looking at the bigger picture strategically, it will help develop a domestic drone industry and supply chain. This will be hugely important for future warfare where drones will be central.
It probably will happen, but I'm not happy about the safety issues or the loss of jobs for drivers. 5 lbs is a lot of weight when it hits you out of the blue or it comes through your windscreen. Also do I believe our Government won't use this nationwide power against us in any future "emergency"?
I can see so many problems with this. Not least insurance for damage done should a drone come crashing down on your property, With the sheer number of deliveries the sky would be full of drones. Accidents would be inevitable. It would be yet another blow to employment with job losses for drivers. Although, it might be better than praying EVRI actually manage to deliver your parcel to the correct address!