LAX SkyLink Train Slips to 2027 Amid Testing Hurdles and Legal Disputes
The opening of the Los Angeles International Airport automated people mover, known as SkyLink, has been pushed from October 2026 to January 2027. The $3.3 billion project, originally scheduled for 2023, is 99% complete but faces testing hurdles and legal disputes. Contractors aim for a January 6 launch, though further delays are possible.
Key points
- Opening date moved from October 2026 to January 2027, with January 6 as a tentative target.
- The 2.25-mile automated train system is 99% complete but requires 30 days of consecutive testing.
- Project costs have ballooned from $1.9 billion to $3.34 billion due to delays and disputes.
- Contractor LINXS and the city are embroiled in legal battles over compensation and scheduling.
- The system missed the 2026 World Cup and now faces a potential debut before the February 2027 Super Bowl.
Background
The SkyLink project began construction in 2019 with an initial budget of $1.9 billion. It was originally slated to open in 2023 but has faced multiple delays, including missed targets for 2024, 2025, and 2026. The system is designed to connect LAX terminals, parking facilities, and the Metro Transit Center to alleviate traffic congestion.
How outlets are covering it
The Los Angeles Times emphasizes the uncertainty of the January 6 date, noting that contractors cannot guarantee the timeline due to ongoing legal disputes. LAist highlights the recent extension of the deadline to December 8, 2026, to avoid a technical default by bondholders. NBC Los Angeles focuses on the frustration of travelers who have endured years of delays, while California Post notes the potential impact of the Super Bowl on the system's debut. All sources agree that safety testing is the primary reason for the latest delay, with Los Angeles World Airports refusing to compromise on protocols.
Why it matters
The delay of the SkyLink train impacts LAX's ability to manage traffic and prepare for major events like the 2028 Olympics. The cost overruns and legal disputes raise concerns about the financial viability and reliability of large-scale infrastructure projects in California.
What to watch
Contractor LINXS aims to complete testing by December 8, 2026, with a tentative passenger service date of January 6, 2027. The outcome of ongoing legal disputes between LINXS and the city will determine whether the deadline is extended further or if the contractor is replaced. The system's debut before the Super Bowl could serve as a critical test of its reliability.
- LAX’s nightmare ‘people mover’ delayed again three years after scheduled opening New York Post
- Troubled LAX people mover delayed again — and it might not be the last time Los Angeles Times
- Opening of LAX Automated People Mover delayed to 2027 NBC Los Angeles
- More delays: LAX train contractor buys more time for testing LAist
- LAX's long-awaited People Mover project delayed again CBS News
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