Amazon is significantly expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service, aiming to reach nearly 500 US cities and towns by the end of 2026, up from its current coverage of just 10 metro areas. The move could let eligible shoppers receive small packages in as little as 30 minutes, though the company says most orders currently take closer to an hour. This matters because it marks a major push towards mainstreaming drone delivery in America, though the 500-city figure refers to communities served rather than separate drone hubs, as each launch site can cover roughly 175 square miles.

Prime Air currently operates from 11 sites across metro areas including Phoenix, Tampa, Kansas City and Houston, with Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Syracuse and Boise next in line. Coverage varies by postcode, and eligible items must weigh under 5lbs and fit roughly inside a large shoebox, covering more than 60% of frequently bought products such as phones, earbuds and household goods. Prime members pay no fee on orders over $50 (or $2.99 below that threshold), while non-Prime customers pay $4.99, with the drone option appearing automatically at checkout when a delivery address qualifies.