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Amazon Cancels Italian Drone Delivery Plans Days Before Launch, Setback for U-space

Amazon Cancels Italian Drone Delivery Plans Days Before Launch, Setback for U-space
Abrupt Withdrawal from Italy
Just days before the scheduled inauguration of one of the European Union’s first operational U-space areas in San Salvo, Italy, Amazon has unexpectedly terminated its drone delivery plans in the country. The announcement, made in a statement to Unmanned Airspace, represents a significant setback for both the Italian U-space initiative and the broader ambitions of the EU to integrate drones into commercial airspace.
Amazon explained that following a strategic review, it decided to halt its commercial drone delivery program in Italy. Despite positive engagement and progress with Italian aerospace regulators, the company cited the broader business regulatory framework in Italy as insufficient to support its long-term objectives for the project. Amazon emphasized that its drone delivery operations in the United States and the United Kingdom remain on course, with ongoing successful test flights and commercial deliveries. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to Italy, highlighting investments exceeding EUR 25 billion and a workforce of 19,000 employees across 60 sites.
Regulatory and Industry Implications
The decision took Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), responsible for implementing U-space in San Salvo, by surprise. ENAC described Amazon’s withdrawal as “unexpected” and attributed it to company policy and recent financial developments within the Amazon Group, according to a statement reported by Reuters.
Amazon’s exit raises broader concerns about the future of the EU’s U-space program, which has already encountered delays and uncertainties. The San Salvo U-space area, developed since October 2024 through collaboration between ENAC, D-Flight (the U-space service provider), and ENAV (the air navigation service provider), was intended to serve as a flagship project. Amazon Prime Air had commenced its first drone delivery trials in San Salvo in December 2024, working closely with partners on both business and technical aspects.
Industry experts suggest multiple factors may have influenced Amazon’s decision. One U-space specialist familiar with the project noted that the scale and structure of Amazon’s delivery network may not align well with the European market in the same way it does elsewhere. Furthermore, the implementation of U-space in Italy has faced criticism for adopting a monopolistic approach, which some argue conflicts with EU Regulation 664’s emphasis on open systems and competition among drone operators.
Amazon’s withdrawal from Italy is not an isolated case. In November 2025, the company significantly reduced its planned drone delivery flights in Darlington, UK, by more than 50 percent after receiving only temporary planning permission, necessitating a scale-back of initial operations.
Market Reactions and Future Outlook
The cancellation has elicited mixed reactions within the market. Some investors interpret it as a strategic retreat in response to challenging regulatory conditions, while others regard it as a temporary obstacle. Although competitor responses remain speculative, Amazon’s departure could open opportunities for other companies in the drone delivery sector. The development has also intensified discussions regarding the regulatory frameworks necessary to support innovative projects such as drone delivery, underscoring the challenges confronting the EU’s vision for U-space.
Despite this setback, Amazon reiterated its commitment to serving Italian customers and maintaining a high-quality shopping experience. Meanwhile, the future of U-space in Italy and across Europe remains uncertain.

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