Amazon Puts Connecticut Drone Delivery Plans on Hold
Amazon has temporarily halted its plans to launch drone deliveries from its North Haven, Connecticut warehouse. The decision comes after the company agreed to hold additional meetings with local residents and government officials. North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda announced the pause over the weekend, citing discussions with an Amazon representative.
The proposed drone delivery service would use Amazon’s MK30 model, capable of carrying packages within a 7.5-mile radius. The company had planned up to 1,000 flights per day from individual Prime Air delivery centers. Despite receiving local planning approval in May, the proposal is still under state and federal review.
Concerns from Connecticut lawmakers have centered on noise pollution and potential impacts on wildlife. Amazon has emphasized that the drones are fully electric and produce no exhaust emissions. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has extended its comment period on the North Haven proposal through October 15.
The pause in Connecticut coincides with Amazon’s broader expansion plans, which aim to bring drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. communities by the end of the year. However, the company faces regulatory challenges, including a lawsuit from a coalition of 15 states and Harris County, Texas, arguing that the FAA did not adequately assess environmental and safety effects before approving expanded drone operations.