A recent LocalCircle survey has revealed significant insight into consumer attitudes toward drone deliveries in India. While only 6% of consumers expressed willingness to pay for this futuristic service, the findings highlight the nascent stage of drone delivery adoption and the challenges ahead for broader acceptance.

Despite the lukewarm survey results, industry leaders like Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air, remain optimistic about the potential of drone logistics. He notes, “The survey findings are interesting, but it’s important to recognize that drone delivery is still in its very early stages of adoption. Despite this, the response we’ve seen at Skye Air has been highly encouraging. For example, in Gurugram alone, we deliver thousands of daily orders via drones, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The early adopters of drone delivery technology are reaping tangible benefits. Kumar adds, “It’s a win-win situation—customers enjoy receiving their products almost instantly at the same cost, e-commerce platforms benefit from drastically reduced TAT (turnaround time), and brands are thrilled with the speed of shipments.”

Drone logistics has shown significant promise in urban settings like Gurugram, where dense populations and high demand for quick-commerce solutions create ideal conditions for adoption. The operational efficiencies offered by drones have the potential to revolutionize last-mile delivery. By reducing dependence on conventional vehicles, drone technology addresses urban traffic challenges and supports sustainability goals through lower carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, the industry faces two critical challenges: scaling operations and achieving cost-effectiveness. Kumar remains hopeful, stating, “As drone technology scales and we achieve economies of scale, delivery costs will only continue to decrease, making this innovative logistics solution even more viable for wider adoption.”

The survey highlights a key inflexion point for drone logistics in India. While consumer readiness may be low, drone deliveries’ efficiency, speed, and environmental benefits position the technology as a game-changer for the e-commerce and logistics industries. As costs decline and awareness grows, drone delivery could soon become a staple in India’s logistics ecosystem.