Are you using Apache Airflow for workflow automation? If so, you need to know exactly when your current version’s support ends. Many users overlook version End-of-Life (EOL/EOS) schedules, which can leave them without security updates or bug fixes when they need them most.
This guide covers Apache Airflow’s version support policy and provides detailed timelines for each version.
1. What is Apache Airflow?
Apache Airflow is an open-source platform for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring data pipelines and workflows. Started at Airbnb in 2014, it became an Apache Incubator project in 2016 and graduated to a top-level project in 2019.
Key Features:
- Workflows as Code: Define data pipelines as DAGs (Directed Acyclic Graphs) using Python code
- Dynamic Pipeline Generation: Create and parameterize pipelines dynamically through code
- Extensibility: Hundreds of provider packages for connecting to cloud services, databases, and protocols
- Rich User Interface: Web-based interface for visualizing and monitoring pipeline status
Currently, over 80,000 organizations use Airflow worldwide, with more than 30 million monthly downloads.
2. Understanding Airflow’s Version Support Policy
Since version 2.0, Apache Airflow follows Semantic Versioning (SemVer). Version numbers follow the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format.
Two Support Phases:
Apache Airflow operates with two distinct support phases. The first is Active Support, which includes new features along with bug fixes and security patches. This is followed by Limited Support, which provides only critical bug fixes and security patches.
After End-of-Life (EOL):
- No fixes or support provided
- No security patches even if vulnerabilities are discovered
- Compatibility with new provider packages not guaranteed
3. Version Support Timeline at a Glance
Official Apache Airflow version lifecycle information from the Apache Airflow GitHub repository and official documentation.
| Version | Current Patch | Support Status | First Release | Limited Maintenance | EOL/Terminated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.x | 3.1.0 | Supported | April 22, 2025 | TBD | TBD |
| 2.x | 2.11.0 | Supported | December 17, 2020 | October 22, 2025 | April 22, 2026 |
| 1.10 | 1.10.15 | EOL | August 27, 2018 | December 17, 2020 | June 17, 2021 |
| 1.9 | 1.9.0 | EOL | January 3, 2018 | August 27, 2018 | August 27, 2018 |
| 1.8 | 1.8.2 | EOL | March 19, 2017 | January 3, 2018 | January 3, 2018 |
| 1.7 | 1.7.1.2 | EOL | March 28, 2016 | March 19, 2017 | March 19, 2017 |
⚠️ Critical Dates:
- Airflow 2.x enters Limited Support on October 22, 2025 and reaches full EOL on April 22, 2026
- All 1.x versions are already EOL
4. Detailed Airflow 2.x Minor Version Release History
Complete list of Airflow 2.x minor versions based on PyPI and official release notes.
| Minor Version | Release Date | Latest Patch | Supported Python | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.11.0 | May 20, 2025 | 2.11.0 | 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Airflow 3.0 migration tools, Python 3.8 EOL |
| 2.10.5 | February 10, 2025 | 2.10.5 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Bug fixes and stabilization |
| 2.10.0 | August 15, 2024 | 2.10.5 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Hybrid Executor, DatasetAlias |
| 2.9.3 | July 16, 2024 | 2.9.3 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Patch updates |
| 2.9.0 | April 8, 2024 | 2.9.3 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Python 3.12 support, MS SQL Server EOL |
| 2.8.0 | December 18, 2023 | 2.8.4 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11 | Python 3.11 support, Debian Bookworm |
| 2.7.0 | August 18, 2023 | 2.7.3 | 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11 | Stability improvements |
| 2.6.0 | April 30, 2023 | 2.6.3 | 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11 | Performance optimization |
| 2.5.0 | December 2, 2022 | 2.5.3 | 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11 | Quality of life improvements |
| 2.4.0 | September 19, 2022 | 2.4.3 | 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10 | Various feature additions |
| 2.3.0 | April 30, 2022 | 2.3.4 | 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10 | Datasets functionality |
| 2.2.0 | October 11, 2021 | 2.2.5 | 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 | Performance improvements |
| 2.1.0 | May 21, 2021 | 2.1.4 | 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 | Bug fixes and stabilization |
| 2.0.0 | December 17, 2020 | 2.0.2 | 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 | Major release, Scheduler HA |
⚠️ AWS MWAA Users: Amazon MWAA will end support for Airflow versions 2.4.3, 2.5.1, and 2.6.3 on December 30, 2025.
5. Airflow 3.x Version Details
Apache Airflow 3.0 is the most significant release since 2.0.
| Minor Version | Release Date | Supported Python | Major Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1.0 | September 25, 2025 | 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13 | Python 3.13 support, Python 3.9 EOL |
| 3.0.6 | August 29, 2025 | 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Bug fixes |
| 3.0.0 | April 22, 2025 | 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 | Major release, Task SDK, DAG Versioning |
Key Features:
- Task Execution Interface: Client-server architecture
- Task SDK: Execute tasks in external systems
- DAG Versioning: Lock DAG version during execution
- Scheduler-managed Backfills: Enhanced backfill management
- React-based UI: Modern, fast user interface
6. Python and Kubernetes Compatibility Matrix
Supported platforms in Airflow 3.1.0.
Python Version Compatibility
| Airflow Version | Python 3.7 | Python 3.8 | Python 3.9 | Python 3.10 | Python 3.11 | Python 3.12 | Python 3.13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1.x | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 3.0.x | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 2.11.x | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 2.10.x | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 2.9.x | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 2.8.x | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2.7.x | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2.6.x | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 2.0-2.5 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Database Compatibility
Officially supported databases by Airflow:
| Database | Supported Versions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 | Recommended |
| MySQL | 8.0, 8.4, Innovation | Supported |
| SQLite | 3.15.0+ | Development only |
| MariaDB | – | ❌ Not supported |
| MS SQL Server | – | ❌ EOL since Airflow 2.9.0 |
Kubernetes Version Compatibility
Kubernetes versions tested with Airflow 3.x:
| Airflow Version | Kubernetes Versions |
|---|---|
| 3.x | 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33 |
| 2.x | 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29 |
7. Upgrade Planning Guide
For Current Airflow 2.x Users
Airflow 2.x reaches full EOL on April 22, 2026. Plan your upgrade accordingly:
Upgrade Timeline:
| Period | Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Now – October 2025 | Active Support | Stable usage, prepare for 3.0 migration |
| October 2025 – April 2026 | Limited Support | Security patches only, upgrade soon |
| After April 2026 | EOL | Security risk, upgrade immediately |
Step-by-Step Upgrade Strategy:
Step 1: Environment Check
# Check current version
airflow version
# Check Python version (3.9+ required)
python --version
# Check database version
# For PostgreSQL
psql --version
Step 2: Upgrade to 2.11 First
Airflow 2.11 includes tools to help with Airflow 3.0 migration.
# Validate configuration
airflow config lint
# Auto-update configuration
airflow config update
# Validate DAG code (using Ruff)
ruff check dags/ --select AIR301 --preview
ruff check dags/ --select AIR301 --fix --preview
Step 3: Upgrade to Airflow 3.0
# Verify Python 3.10+
python --version
# Install with constraints
pip install 'apache-airflow==3.0.6' \
--constraint "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/apache/airflow/constraints-3.0.6/constraints-3.10.txt"
Upgrade Checklist
| Item | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Python Version | 3.10+ (for Airflow 3.1) |
| Database | PostgreSQL 13+ or MySQL 8.0+ |
| Provider Packages | Check minimum Airflow version requirements |
| Custom Code | Update execution_date → logical_date |
| Configuration | Check removed/changed options |
| Backup | Database and DAG files backup essential |
8. Managed Service Version Support Policies
Cloud service Airflow version support schedules may differ from open source.
| Service | Supported Versions | Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS MWAA | 2.7.2, 2.8.1, 2.9.2, 2.10.3 | 2.4.3, 2.5.1, 2.6.3 EOL December 30, 2025 | Documentation |
| Google Cloud Composer | 2.x series | Separate support policy | Documentation |
| Azure Data Factory | Managed Airflow integration | Separate version policy | Documentation |
Understanding Apache Airflow’s version support timeline is fundamental to maintaining stable data pipelines.
Key Takeaways:
- Airflow 2.x: Limited Support starts October 22, 2025, full EOL April 22, 2026
- Airflow 3.x: Currently stable, long-term support expected
- Upgrade Path: Recommended sequence: 2.7+ → 2.11 → 3.x
- Python Support: 3.x supports Python 3.10-3.13
- Cloud Services: Check provider-specific support schedules
Useful Resources:
- Apache Airflow Official Website
- GitHub Repository Version Lifecycle
- Official Supported Versions Documentation
- endoflife.date – Airflow Support Schedule
- Airflow 3.0 Migration Guide
Check your Airflow version today to ensure your environment is properly maintained.