Amazon has decided to suspend its planned drone delivery service in Italy, a move announced on December 28, 2025. The company said it had made significant progress with the Italian aerospace regulator ENAC, but broader business regulatory issues and recent financial events within the group made the project untenable at this time.
The decision follows a series of milestones that began in late 2024, when Amazon announced plans to expand Prime Air to Italy and the UK. In December 2024, the company completed successful test flights in San Salvo, Italy, and had slated a commercial launch for 2025. Despite these advances, the Italian civil aviation authority cited regulatory constraints that could not be reconciled with Amazon’s business model, prompting the halt.
Amazon’s statement highlighted that the “broader business regulatory framework” in Italy does not, at present, support the company’s long‑term objectives for the program. Management linked the decision to recent financial events involving the group, suggesting that cash‑flow considerations and capital allocation priorities are influencing the strategic shift. The company’s focus will remain on regions where regulatory approvals are more favorable and the business case is stronger.
While the Italian rollout is paused, Amazon continues to test and operate drone delivery in select U.S. cities and is pursuing scalability in other markets. The company’s investment in next‑generation drones, such as the MK30, remains unchanged, indicating that Amazon is not abandoning drone technology but is being more selective about its international rollout.
In a statement, Amazon’s senior executive noted, “Despite positive engagement and progress with Italian aerospace regulators, the broader business regulatory framework in the country does not, at this time, support our longer‑term objectives for this program.” The comment underscores the company’s intent to preserve resources for markets with clearer regulatory pathways and stronger financial returns.
The halt in Italy signals a recalibration of Amazon’s global logistics strategy, prioritizing regulatory alignment and financial prudence. The decision may influence the company’s future investment in drone delivery, as it seeks to balance innovation with compliance and capital efficiency across its worldwide operations.
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