European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has officially announced that aircraft delivery delays, driven by ongoing supply chain issues, are now expected to extend through 2028. According to an internal notice sent to airline customers, the delays are primarily caused by shortages in engines and structural components.
In May 2025, Airbus delivered only 32 aircraft, compared to 53 in the same month last year—representing a nearly 40% drop in output. For the first four months of the year, deliveries were down 5% compared to 2024. These figures highlight the persistent bottlenecks in Airbus’ production operations.
Despite these challenges, the company is maintaining its target of delivering 820 aircraft by the end of 2025, aiming for a 7% year-over-year increase. Airbus plans to ramp up production in the second half of the year to recover its delivery performance.
The delays are affecting airlines worldwide, forcing many to keep older aircraft in service longer or cancel certain routes. For carriers planning their future fleets, the situation poses significant operational challenges.
Airbus’ future programs have also been impacted by the crisis. The company’s hydrogen-powered aircraft project, originally targeted for 2035, has been postponed by at least a decade. Additionally, the A350F freighter program has seen delays in its delivery schedule.
Industry sources indicate that Airbus has yet to achieve meaningful improvements in production capacity. With the global supply chain crisis showing no signs of immediate resolution, aircraft manufacturing is expected to continue facing disruptions for several more years.
