Amazon Prime Air drones cause noise and privacy concerns in Texas suburb
Amazon's Prime Air drone delivery service operating in Richardson, Texas has generated complaints from residents about excessive noise and privacy concerns as drones fly low over houses carrying packages. The FAA approved the programme and considers commercial delivery drones to pose no significant environmental impact, while Amazon plans to expand to 500 additional towns and cities.
What happened
Amazon began operating its Prime Air drone delivery service in Richardson, Texas in December 2025 with FAA approval and city zoning permission. The drones are reported to fly as low as 150 feet above houses and backyards while delivering packages up to 5 pounds within a 12-kilometre radius.
Reported impact
Residents reported severe noise disturbances from the drones, which produce a high-pitched hum described as audible even with televisions on. One resident counted 52 drones flying over her house on a single day.
Richardson residents raised concerns about privacy, noting that drones carry cameras for navigation purposes and may record backyard activities, despite Amazon's statement that encrypted images are used only for customer service improvement.
Index analysis
The FAA concluded in July that commercial delivery drones do not pose a 'significant impact' on the environment, though the agency indicated new rules for drone flight would be issued soon.
Richardson homeowners association president Scott Bratcher stated that the government and FAA had failed residents, and expressed concern that the noise and privacy issues would spread as Amazon expands deliveries to 500 towns and cities by the end of 2026.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.