Amazon's most extensive drone trials yet will take place in UK airspace after strict flying restrictions were lifted.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given special permission to the internet retail giant to test its autonomous delivery vehicles without some of the restrictions that usually apply.

The CAA is allowing Amazon's employees to operate its drones without a direct line of sight of the device.

It is also permitting Amazon to trial "sense and avoid" technology that lets drones automatically avoid obstacles while in the air.

A rule that each drone must have its own ground-based pilot has also been lifted for Amazon - so one person will be allowed to control multiple drones.


The relaxed restrictions only apply to certain "controlled spaces" approved by the CAA.

Amazon's drone technology is being developed at a research and development centre in Cambridge, where some of the trials will take place.

Amazon's grand plan is to have a fleet of drones that can deliver small packages to shoppers within 30 minutes of an order being placed.

The prototype of its Prime Air drone can take off and land vertically - perfect for built-up areas - and fly like a plane to cover longer distances.

It has a range of about 10 miles at an altitude of 400 feet, and can carry packages of up to 2.2kg.

Amazon innovation boss Paul Misener said the UK "had been a world leader in enabling drone innovation".

Tim Johnson, the CAA's head of policy, said: "These tests by Amazon will help inform our policy and future approach."