DoorDash has received federal approval to operate its own commercial drone delivery service and is launching an in-house program called DoorDash Air.
The company announced Wednesday that DoorDash Labs earned Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. The certification authorizes DoorDash to fly its own drones for commercial deliveries, making it one of a small number of operators cleared for such service in the United States.
DoorDash said the drones were designed and developed in-house specifically for local commerce and food delivery. The company has not released a timeline for when the aircraft will begin carrying customer orders. Officials indicated that initial operations would likely start with limited, line-of-sight flights before any longer-range service.
We’re cleared for takeoff! 🛫Say hello to DoorDash Air, our in-house drone delivery program. pic.twitter.com/YhDgWOPmts
— DoorDash (@DoorDash) July 29, 2026
DoorDash already offers drone delivery in parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area through a partnership with Flytrex. That service is available to customers in sections of Little Elm and Frisco, where orders can be placed through the DoorDash app and delivered by drone. The company has said it will continue working with existing partners, including Flytrex and Alphabet’s Wing, alongside the new DoorDash Air program.
Company officials noted that a significant share of DoorDash orders travel three to five miles, trips that often take longer to fulfill with traditional drivers. Drones are viewed as one tool to improve speed and efficiency for those mid-range deliveries. DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Platform is expected to choose among human drivers, drones or other options depending on the order.
The Part 135 certification required DoorDash to meet FAA standards for aircraft airworthiness, maintenance programs and safety procedures. The company described the approval as a key regulatory milestone that opens the door to deeper integration of drone delivery into its network.
No specific cities have been named yet for the launch of DoorDash’s own aircraft.
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