Various embodiments include methods of offloading user equipment communication traffic between communications drones. The methods may include receiving, at a candidate communication drone, a replacement request from a requesting communication drone. Radio frequency (RF) communication parameters may be set for the candidate communication drone to take over communications of the requesting communication drone. The RF communication parameters may be determined based on the replacement request and may distinguish the candidate communication drone from the requesting communication drone and at least one neighboring communication drone. The candidate communication drone may move toward a target position adjacent a position of the requesting communication drone without radiating RF communications for taking over communications of the requesting communication drone. In addition, the candidate communication drone may radiate RF communications using the set RF communication parameters to begin taking over communication services from the requesting communication drone upon arriving at the target position.