Los Angeles International Airport’s long-awaited Automated People Mover, known as Skylink, could be delayed until February 2027, according to a new report. The 2.25-mile elevated train was initially expected to open in 2023, but after years of construction delays, technical problems, and disputes between city agencies, passengers are still waiting for their first ride.
The latest setback comes as the project remains in its testing phase, with its total price tag now approximately $1.3 billion over the original budget.
Why is the LAX People Mover delayed?
Construction on the $3.3 billion Automated People Mover began in 2019, with an initial target opening date of 2023. However, the project has encountered a series of complications, including lawsuits, disagreements between city departments, and technical problems during testing.
According to the project’s contractor, LINXS, the latest delay stems partly from a dispute between Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) over an agreement concerning solar power for the train.
The contractor is also suing the city of Los Angeles, arguing that LAWA has unfairly attempted to blame the developer for the project’s delayed opening.
There have also been reports of electrical explosions during recent testing, which may have damaged sections of the tracks.
When will the LAX People Mover finally open?
This new report estimates that Skylink could begin carrying passengers in February 2027, although that date is not guaranteed.
The automated train must first complete 30 consecutive days of successful testing. If the system experiences a failure during that period, the testing process must start over.
It must also pass an independent review, complete an airport assessment, and finalize the outstanding utility agreement with LADWP before passengers can board.
Mayor Karen Bass, however, has disputed the February estimate. Speaking to KNX radio earlier this week, Bass said she remained confident that the train would be operational by the end of 2026 or January 2027.
She pointed to potential financial penalties for the companies involved if they fail to meet their contractual obligations.
Whether Skylink finally opens by early 2027 or faces yet another setback remains to be seen. For now, Angelenos will have to wait a little longer to see the long-promised train in action.
