The LAX SkyLink people mover — 97% complete in May 2024 — is now targeted to start passenger service in October 2026 after costly delays, an $880 million settlement and ongoing lawsuits. Investigative coverage by YouTuber Nick Andert has criticized the contractor LINXS and highlighted contract vulnerabilities that contributed to stoppages. Trial runs and final station work are underway, but experts warn the opening date could slip again despite resumed construction. The fully electric system will run 24/7 across six stations and aims to remove up to 3,200 daily shuttle trips while linking LAX to the Metro rail network.
LAX SkyLink Now Targets October 2026 Opening After $3.34B Overruns and YouTuber Exposé
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows A white Automated People Mover train car is seen on an elevated track at the LAX/Metro Transit Center, with construction workers in yellow vests on the platform below, Image 2 shows Two white Automated People Mover (APM) trains on a concrete track under a clear sky, Image 3 shows Passengers with luggage walk along Sepulveda Blvd near the LAX airport sign
The long-delayed Automated People Mover (APM) at Los Angeles International Airport — commonly known as SkyLink — is now slated to begin passenger service in October 2026, city officials said, even as legal battles and huge cost overruns continue to cloud the project’s timeline.
Construction on the fully electric people mover began in 2019 with an original construction budget of $1.9 billion. After years of delays, disputes and added payouts, the project’s cost has swelled to $3.34 billion. By May 2024 the system was reported to be about 97% complete, yet it remains unopened.
Legal Disputes and Public Scrutiny
In July 2026 the LINXS construction consortium sued the City of Los Angeles over unresolved contract and delay disputes after the city paid an additional $880 million to the contractor. That payment and the resulting settlement allowed construction to resume, but industry experts and local transit advocates warn the October 2026 target is not guaranteed.
“The sheer cynicism on display by LINXS is breathtaking. I don't think I've ever seen this degree of shameless behavior from a contractor before,” said YouTuber Nick Andert, whose investigative reporting has renewed scrutiny of the project's contract structure and management.
Progress On The Ground
Despite the disputes, physical work is moving forward: train vehicles have been running trial trips on the guideway, while crews finish station details such as lighting, passenger information screens and platform testing. Once operational, SkyLink will run 24/7 and link six stations across the airport.
The system is designed to eliminate LAX’s central-terminal shuttle “horseshoe,” potentially removing up to 3,200 shuttle trips a day, and to connect LAX directly to the Los Angeles Metro rail network for the first time. It will also consolidate all rental-car operations at a single off-site facility.
Costs And Long-Term Commitments
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is financing construction through proprietary revenues. The agency has also budgeted roughly $1.6 billion to operate and maintain the people mover over the next 30 years. What began as an estimated $1.9 billion construction project has become a $3.3+ billion megaproject after seven years of work.
Outlook: Officials are now aiming to have SkyLink open before major events such as Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but persistent legal, contract and scheduling risks mean further delays remain possible.
A vehicle sits on a track during testing for the Automated People Mover (APM) train system at Los Angeles International Airport. AFP via Getty Images
Vehicles move past the iconic LAX sign. VCG via Getty Images
A closed construction area is seen near the SkyLink Automated People Mover line, the Theme Building and the Air Traffic Control Tower at Los Angeles International Airport. AFP via Getty Images
Aaron Donald celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on Monday, February 14, 2022, in Inglewood, California. USA TODAY Sports
A car for the Automated People Mover (APM) train system undergoes testing before the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center rail and bus public transportation station at Los Angeles International Airport. AFP via Getty Images
An American Airlines Airbus A321-200 plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). REUTERS
Passengers roll their luggage on Sepulveda Blvd near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). AFP via Getty Images
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