LAX people mover near completion faces rating downgrade and deadline pressure
The automated Skylink train at Los Angeles International Airport is 99% finished, but Fitch placed its financing on a negative watch as the project approaches its final deadline.
Los Angeles International Airport’s Skylink automated people mover is reported to be 99.6% complete, with infrastructure and rail cars undergoing testing. Despite this progress, Fitch Ratings shifted the project’s senior bond to a negative watch, citing a narrow safety margin before the lenders’ longstop of Oct. 8, 2026 and the overall project deadline of Dec. 8, 2026. The rating agency highlighted growing friction between Los Angeles World Airports and the contractor LINXS over outstanding claims and obligations.
LINXS has filed a lawsuit accusing the airport of misleading the public about delay causes and altering project drawings. The airport missed its original 2023 opening goal and also failed to be ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting a city council motion for LAWA to report on the delays. If the project cannot meet the deadline, the contract could be terminated, forcing the airport to find a new contractor and further postponing the train’s launch, which is expected to link terminals, a rental-car center, parking, and rideshare facilities to the L.A. Metro system.
Why it matters
Delays and financing concerns could postpone a key airport link ahead of major international events.
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