Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities by 2026

Amazon has announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026, roughly six times larger than its current footprint.

The e-commerce giant currently operates from 11 locations across seven states, serving about 175 square miles each.

Amazon says it has already completed hundreds of thousands of drone deliveries this year, with packages reaching customers in as little as 30 minutes.

The drones can carry packages weighing up to five pounds, which Amazon claims covers more than 60% of its most commonly purchased products.

Eligible items include groceries and medications, electronics, and orders arrive within roughly one hour. Prime members pay nothing for drone delivery on orders of at least $50, while smaller Prime orders cost $2.99, and customers without Prime pay $4.99.