LAX People Mover Pushes Opening to Early 2027 Amid Testing Delays

Key points

• Contractor LINXS now targets an early January 2027 launch for the LAX People Mover, pushing back from a previous October 2026 goal.
• Bondholders agreed to extend the final completion deadline from October 8 to December 8, 2026, to prevent a technical default.
• The project is 99% complete but requires 30 days of consecutive testing, independent reviews, and a utility agreement with LADWP before opening.
• Legal disputes between LINXS and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) have stalled progress, with a grand jury report blaming the contractor for delays.
• Fitch Ratings downgraded the project’s bonds to negative watch, highlighting vulnerability to default if the December deadline is missed.

Background

The LAX People Mover, now branded as Skylink, is part of a broader $30 billion overhaul of the airport ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Construction began in 2019, with an original target opening in 2023. The system aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in the airport’s terminal area by connecting terminals, parking lots, and the Metro Transit Center. Previous delays have included missed targets for the 2026 World Cup, and the project has accumulated $880 million in cost overruns.

How outlets are covering it

The Los Angeles Times and LAist both emphasize the uncertainty surrounding the January 2027 target, noting that LINXS cannot guarantee the date. LAist highlights the technical default risk that was averted by the bondholder extension, while the Los Angeles Times focuses on the murky reasons for the delay and the ongoing legal disputes. The Los Angeles Daily News frames the delay within the broader context of LAX’s 2028 Olympics preparations and notes the project’s 99% completion status. All sources agree that LAWA prioritizes safety and rigorous testing over speed, with LAWA stating it will not compromise on safety protocols. Fitch Ratings, cited by multiple outlets, warns that the project remains vulnerable to default if the December 8 deadline is missed.

Why it matters

The delay impacts LAX’s ability to manage traffic ahead of major events, including the Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympics. The ongoing disputes and financial risks could affect the broader $30 billion airport overhaul and public confidence in the project’s timeline. The train’s eventual opening is critical for improving passenger experience and reducing congestion at one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

What to watch

LINXS must begin the 30-day testing phase within the next several weeks to meet the December 8 deadline. If testing is not completed by then, LAWA could terminate the contract, though this is considered unlikely. The outcome of the legal disputes between LINXS and LAWA will also influence whether additional time is granted beyond December 8. The project’s bond rating may be reassessed by Fitch Ratings following the December deadline.