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Apache Airflow Error:
AirflowTaskTimeout

What does this error mean?

Raised when execution_timeout is breached during task execution. Applies to all task types including sensors. This exception appears in Airflow task logs when the condition is triggered during DAG execution.

Common causes

  • 1The task execution exceeded the execution_timeout value configured on the task or operator.
  • 2A long-running external dependency (database query, API call, file transfer) did not complete within the allowed window.
  • 3The execution_timeout was set too aggressively for the actual workload.

How to fix it

  1. 1Increase the execution_timeout on the task or operator to accommodate the expected runtime.
  2. 2Investigate why the task is taking longer than expected — check external system latency.
  3. 3Add retries with a back-off policy to handle transient slowness.

Frequently asked questions

Where does AirflowTaskTimeout appear in Airflow?

In the task instance log, accessible via the Airflow UI under the failed task's Log tab, or in your log aggregation system.

Does this exception trigger a DAG retry?

Yes, if the task has retries configured. Each retry attempt creates a new task instance log entry.

Source · airflow.apache.org/docs/apache-airflow/stable/_api/airflow/exceptions/index.html

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