Deliveroo has launched its first drone delivery service in Dublin, Ireland, on June 5, 2025. Based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, the service covers a 3-kilometre range including Clonsilla, Corduff, and the wider Blanchardstown area.
The suburban focus is strategic. These areas traditionally pose challenges for conventional delivery riders due to winding routes and traffic congestion. Deliveroo aims to prove its effectiveness in reaching customers beyond city centres by testing drone technology in these neighbourhoods.
Operating from Manna’s specialised local hub, drones deliver orders directly to customers’ homes at speeds up to 80 kilometres per hour, enabling deliveries in as little as three minutes. The contactless system uses drones that hover above delivery locations and lower food packages via a secure, biodegradable tether, combining safety with environmental responsibility.
To use the drone service, customers must verify their address through the Deliveroo app and confirm they have a suitable landing area, like a driveway or garden. The app provides real-time tracking and alerts for a transparent delivery experience.
Deliveroo partners with Manna for this initiative
Manna, founded by Bobby Healy in Dublin, is one of Europe’s leading drone delivery operators. Since 2024, it has completed over 170,000 deliveries in Dublin, demonstrating its operational expertise and regulatory compliance.
The company’s drones feature comprehensive safety measures, including backup power systems, parachutes, and continuous monitoring by qualified dispatchers. Manna has secured full approval from Irish aviation authorities for safe operations in populated areas.
Beyond food, Manna delivers medicine, books, and consumer products, showcasing its versatility. This partnership combines Deliveroo’s market presence with Manna’s technical expertise to create an innovative delivery platform.
What about participating restaurants and menu options?
Deliveroo has partnered with select local restaurants to test drone delivery across various cuisines and packaging types. Launch partners include Musashi (Japanese sushi), WOWBurger (premium burgers), Boojum (Mexican cuisine), and Elephant & Castle (contemporary dining). This diverse selection helps evaluate how different foods handle aerial transport.
As Musashi’s owner, Bill Lang, remarks: “We never thought we’d see [our sushi] in the sky, delivered to people’s doorsteps by drone.” Deliveroo plans to expand its restaurant network and service offerings within six months to include groceries and retail products.
The drone delivery service integrates smoothly into the existing Deliveroo app. Customers in the service area complete an address validation process, confirming access to a suitable landing spot. The app displays real-time drone tracking and sends notifications from pickup to delivery.
Speed is the key advantage: drone deliveries take as little as three minutes, compared to 20–30 minutes for ground delivery. This improves customer satisfaction and helps maintain food temperature and freshness.
Commercial strategy and industry position
This drone initiative marks Deliveroo’s strategic expansion into underserved suburban markets. By offering ultra-fast delivery in these areas, the company aims to reach new customers while gaining an edge over urban-focused competitors. The service complements rather than replaces existing bicycle and scooter couriers, addressing concerns about job displacement.
The launch establishes Deliveroo as a technology leader in food delivery, creating first-mover advantages in drone delivery. This innovation is particularly timely as Deliveroo prepares for a £2.9 billion acquisition by DoorDash, potentially strengthening their combined global position.
This move aligns with broader industry trends toward autonomous delivery. Amazon plans to launch the UK’s first drone delivery service in Darlington this year, while DoorDash tests drone deliveries with Wendy’s in Virginia. The UK government’s £20 million investment in commercial drone initiatives signals growing institutional support.
Globally, companies are testing various approaches to drone delivery. DoorDash’s partnership with Wing and Wendy’s in Virginia enables deliveries within a six-mile radius. Drones fly at 65 mph and complete deliveries in 15–20 minutes. These initiatives showcase the global race to develop market-specific drone delivery systems.
What’s next for Deliveroo?
Public response has been mixed. While many welcome the innovation, some residents express noise, privacy, and safety concerns. Though drone noise elsewhere has been compared to “a swarm of bees,” Manna maintains its drones operate quietly. Regulatory compliance remains crucial: Manna’s full approval from Irish aviation authorities provides a solid foundation, though evolving regulations will shape future expansion.
Following a successful Dublin trial, Deliveroo plans to expand drone delivery across Ireland and internationally, subject to regulatory approval and local partnerships. The six-month plan to include groceries and retail products could significantly expand Deliveroo’s market reach and revenue streams, positioning it as a comprehensive delivery platform.
