LAX People Mover Delay Stretches to January 2027
The SkyLink train system faces further postponement following electrical arc flash incidents during recent test runs.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Air Travel
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Should local officials continue funding public infrastructure projects that significantly exceed their original budgets and schedules?
The SkyLink automated train system at Los Angeles International Airport is now delayed until January 2027 following an electrical arc flash and fire recorded in late September. Despite being 99% complete, the project requires 30 days of consecutive successful testing to gain operational approval.
Why it matters
The project faces continued delays due to unresolved contract disputes, legal conflicts, and the need for an additional utility agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. These obstacles have pushed the opening far beyond the original 2023 target, complicating infrastructure progress for airport travelers.
The 2.25-mile automated track project has required $1.34 billion in additional city payouts beyond its initial $1.9 billion budget. Construction must overcome four documented flashover incidents to meet the 30-day continuous testing threshold.
The players
Los Angeles World Airports
This department manages the daily operations and long-term development of the Los Angeles International Airport.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
This entity is the largest municipal utility in the United States and provides essential electricity and water services to the city.
The details
The project has seen four total flashover incidents on the tracks since construction began in 2019. Completion now depends on an independent overview and a final assessment conducted by Los Angeles World Airports to ensure system safety.
Timeline
Construction of the SkyLink people mover began in 2019.
The train system had an original scheduled opening date in 2023.
An electrical arc flash incident occurred during a test run in late September 2026.
The project missed its planned completion deadline in December 2026.
The new projected opening date for the train system is January 2027.
Travel Outlook
The project's reliance on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power utility agreements follows a pattern of regulatory dependencies that frequently complicate large-scale transit construction. This delay reflects broader challenges in managing public infrastructure projects that require complex inter-agency cooperation.
Travelers should continue to rely on existing shuttle services to navigate the airport, as the automated train will not be available for the foreseeable future. Those planning trips through 2026 should account for potential traffic congestion around construction zones near terminals.
The takeaway
Large infrastructure projects often encounter significant financial and technical friction during final integration phases. Travelers should remain flexible with their ground transportation plans when navigating major international airport hubs.
Further reading
For more information on current infrastructure updates at the airport, visit the Air Travel section.
Live Poll
Should local officials continue funding public infrastructure projects that significantly exceed their original budgets and schedules?
