apache/airflow

The "docker is not running" error when using a GitHub codespace

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#62405 opened on Feb 24, 2026

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 (17 comments) (0 reactions) (0 assignees)Python (44,809 stars) (16,781 forks)batch import
area:dev-envgood first issuekind:bugkind:documentationneeds-triage

Description

What do you see as an issue?

I'm following this guide: https://github.com/apache/airflow/blob/main/contributing-docs/03a_contributors_quick_start_beginners.rst#option-b--one-click-github-codespaces. The forth step ("Install Breeze and start the development container") leads to

Docker is not running.
Please make sure Docker is installed and running.

I think the problem is with the last command (breeze start-airflow). I've already checked that Docker is installed:

[Breeze:3.10.19] root@21ae210c1c95:/opt/airflow$ docker --version
Docker version 29.2.1, build a5c7197
[Breeze:3.10.19] root@21ae210c1c95:/opt/airflow$ whereis docker
docker: /usr/bin/docker
[Breeze:3.10.19] root@21ae210c1c95:/opt/airflow$ sudo systemctl status docker
System has not been booted with systemd as init system (PID 1). Can't operate.
Failed to connect to bus: Host is down

It seems like a problem with a user access to Docker.

Solving the problem

No response

Anything else

No response

Are you willing to submit PR?

  • Yes I am willing to submit a PR!

Code of Conduct

Contributor guide

Tech stack
pythondocker
Domain
developer experience
Issue type
bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
DockerGitHub CodespacesAirflow development setup
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
65
Research direction
Investigate the Docker permissions within GitHub Codespaces. Check if the user needs to be added to the docker group or if the `breeze` script can detect the missing permission and provide a workaround. Review the contributing guide file `contributing docs/03a contributors quick start beginners.rst` and the breeze script for potential improvements.