The long-awaited automated people mover at Los Angeles International Airport has faced another delay, with project leaders now pushing the target opening date to January 2027. Originally scheduled to launch in 2023, the transportation system designed to connect terminals, parking facilities, rideshare zones, rental cars, and the Metro system has encountered years of setbacks alongside a price tag climbing more than $1 billion past its initial budget.
Did You Know? Construction on the automated train system officially got underway in 2019 with an initial expectation that it would open in four years, but seven years later the transit vehicles remain in the testing phase.
Testing Phase Timeline Stretches Past Projections
Project officials previously pointed toward an upcoming operational window earlier this year. In April 2026, Vanessa Rodriguez with Los Angeles World Airports stated that the team was hyper-focused on testing and estimated about 60 days would be needed to integrate the entire system. However, those anticipated 60 days have since stretched to nearly 160 days.
Recent observations at the site show the transit system fenced off with no construction workers or moving trains visible. Airport representatives emphasize that ongoing safety evaluations remain mandatory. A spokesperson for Los Angeles International Airport explained that the safety and absolute reliability of the SkyLink train stand as top priorities, noting that rigorous testing of tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles serves as standard industry practice for major airport transit infrastructure to guarantee smooth long-term integration.
Traveler Reactions and 2028 Olympic Concerns
The repeated postponements have drawn sharp skepticism from airport passengers trying to use the current terminal infrastructure. One traveler remarked, “Beautiful. I’ll believe it when I see it,” while another stated, “So it’s probably never going to happen.” Others expressed frustration over the financial overruns, questioning how the project exceeded its original budget by over $1 billion.
Some passengers drew parallels between the local transit delay and other California infrastructure efforts, such as the state high-speed rail initiative or a wildlife crossing in Agoura Hills. With the latest estimate projecting a January 2027 opening, questions continue to mount regarding whether the transit link will be fully operational ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Traveler Anil Bhandari captured the prevailing doubt, telling reporters, “It will take a miracle if it’s in place in time for the Olympics. I’ll give you a free bottle of champagne if it does.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the LAX people mover currently scheduled to open?
The latest projection pushes the opening of the automated train system to January 2027.
What caused the recent extension in the timeline?
Airport officials stated that continued rigorous testing of tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles is necessary, with integration windows extending far beyond earlier 60-day estimates.
Will the project be ready for the 2028 Olympic Games?
The revised January 2027 timeline has raised public questions about whether the system will be completed in time for the 2028 Olympics, though airport officials maintain their focus on safety and integration protocols.
How confident are you that the transit system will meet its revised January 2027 target?
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