Automated People Mover at LAX. Photo: Chizhevskaya Ekaterina / Shutterstock Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has been working on a highly anticipated $5.5 billion elevated railway system that should considerably improve passenger access by connecting the terminals. The Automated People Mover, called SkyLink, is a 2.25-mile electric train that will run without passengers starting today, April 21, 2026, as announced bt LAX in a post on X.
During the following 6o days of testing, empty trains will run on the same schedule that the airport plans to rely on as soon as the system will be open to the public. The electric train system will cut airport congestion by bringing together terminals, parking lots, and pickup and drop-off areas.
LAX called the testing phase "a major step toward passenger service", adding that "guests can expect to see the train running 24/7."
In September 2025, the city agency that manages LAX, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive John Ackerman expressed their hope that the new train would be functional ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the sporting event is less than two months away, so it remains to be seen if the train will be available in time.
The delays in opening the Automated People Mover have been triggered by a number of disputes between LAWA and the contractor responsible for building the system, LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), which have cost hundreds of millions of dollars in claims settlements.