Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 3 hrs ago
Drone deliveries are growing, raising concerns about noise
Companies including Amazon and Walmart are expanding drone deliveries, bringing the aircraft more often over homes in the US and parts of England.
Amazon Prime Air is expanding toward nearly 500 US cities and towns, and has started serving customers in and around Darlington.
Residents can find the sudden rotor noise intrusive, especially because drones fly low and may pass directly over homes.
Researchers say people may be more sensitive to a sound when it is new, frequent or unwelcome.
More deliveries could bring more noise complaints as the services expand, while the US Federal Aviation Administration says operators and local leaders are mainly responsible for addressing concerns.
London startup Greenjets says its system can cut drone noise by at least two thirds by enclosing the blades, slowing them and reducing vibration.
Its technology has also been used by police and harbour security teams in Germany and by conservationists in Africa, while quieter drones may also help military operators avoid detection.
Drone delivery services are becoming more common in the US and have also launched in and around Darlington, England.
Residents complain that the sound of drones can be especially noticeable, and an acoustic expert expects complaints to increase as the sector expands.
Amazon Prime Air is expanding deliveries to nearly 500 cities and towns in the US.
The US Federal Aviation Administration says drone operators and local community leaders have primary responsibility for addressing community concerns.
Companies are developing quieter drone technology, including a system that its maker says can reduce noise by at least two thirds.
- Who
- Companies including Amazon and Walmart are expanding drone deliveries; residents and acoustic experts have raised concerns about the noise.
- What
- Growing drone deliveries are prompting concern about noise, while companies explore ways to make drones quieter.
- When
- The BBC article was published on 28 October 2026.
- Where
- The US and Darlington in northern England.
- Why
- Drones can fly low over residential areas, and their rotor noise can be sudden and noticeable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The article describes delivery drone services becoming part of everyday life for many people in the US.
The BBC published its article on drone noise and efforts to develop quieter drones.
- Amazon Prime Air
- Expanding deliveries to nearly 500 cities and towns
- Darlington
- Amazon Prime Air has launched in and around the town in northern England
- Greenjets
- Its system is claimed to reduce drone noise by at least two thirds
- FAA
- Regulates commercial drones in the US
What people are saying
particularly noticeable, even when overall sound levels are relatively low
as the drone sector expands, more and more of these complaints will happen
noise level and the frequency of that noise
Make it faster, not less quiet, seems to be the approach