Amazon is seeking approval to launch Prime Air drone deliveries from its North Haven warehouse at 409 Washington Ave., with up to 1,000 flights a day to homes within about 7.5 miles.
That range covers North Haven, Hamden, Wallingford and much of New Haven, according to a public notice posted by the town. Flights would run seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reviewing the plan now. A DEEP spokesperson, Bill Flood, told the New Haven Register the agency expects to decide by Oct. 16. The Federal Aviation Administration must also sign off.
How it would work
Amazon would use its MK30 drone, which weighs roughly 80 pounds and carries packages up to 5 pounds. As WFSB reported Oct. 1, outbound drones would cruise at around 250 feet, lower to drop a package from about 13 feet up, then climb higher for the trip back to North Haven.
Amazon spokesperson Mike Murphy told WFSB the company is “currently working with local officials and exploring opportunities to expand our fast, reliable drone delivery service to reach customers in Connecticut.”
What the town has already approved
The local piece is done. North Haven’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved Amazon’s site application, P26-17, on May 4, 2026, by a 5-0 vote. Conditions included a revised site plan, replacing some parking with lawn, and a $5,000 bond. The commission approved revised fence plans on Aug. 3.
What the town can’t do is regulate the flights themselves. Connecticut law (Public Act 17-52, codified at C.G.S. 7-149b) bars municipalities from regulating commercial drone operations. Airspace belongs to the FAA.
Who’s raising concerns
State Rep. Vincent Candelora wrote to DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino raising concerns about the plan; North Haven’s Rep. Dave Yaccarino and Sen. Paul Cicarella co-signed the letter. Officials and residents have raised noise, privacy, wildlife and the Quinnipiac River’s tidal marshes, and GovTech reported that some officials were surprised by the plan. The Connecticut Airport Authority’s Michael Shea has also weighed in, as reported by NBC Connecticut, WTNH, Patch and DroneXL.
Residents are split. “We’re going to hear buzzing, day and night, 7 days a week,” Adam Sirot told WFSB. Bruce Berthel saw an upside: “Maybe there will be less traffic from the trucks at least.”
What happens next
DEEP published its notice on Sept. 16 and accepted written comments through Oct. 1. Its decision is expected around Oct. 16.
The FAA has not yet posted a site-specific environmental document for North Haven. Residents who want to weigh in on the federal review can write to the FAA’s drone environmental team at 9-FAA-Drone-Environmental@faa.gov.
We’ll report DEEP’s decision as soon as it’s announced.
Key Facts
- What: Proposed Amazon Prime Air drone delivery operation
- Where: Amazon facility, 409 Washington Ave., North Haven; deliveries within about 7.5 miles
- Scale: Up to 1,000 deliveries a day, 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m., seven days a week; packages up to 5 lb.
- Local approval: P&Z approved site application P26-17 on May 4, 2026 (5-0)
- State review: DEEP decision expected about Oct. 16; comment period closed Oct. 1
- Federal review: FAA, 9-FAA-Drone-Environmental@faa.gov
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Photos courtesy of Amazon
