The contractor responsible for Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) perpetually delayed $3.3 billion SkyLink people mover project has filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and airport officials. LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) alleges that Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) concealed the true reasons for the project's ongoing setbacks, altered construction drawings, and created obstacles that have stalled progress.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that LINXS had to initiate legal action before an October deadline to avoid potential demands from lenders for repayment of project funds. This legal battle marks the latest in a series of disputes surrounding the automated people mover, which was initially slated for a 2024 opening.
LINXS asserts that LAWA, rather than the contractor, is responsible for significant delays. The complaint cites a power outage in 2025, which allegedly halted work for 141 days. LINXS contends this outage was caused by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, but claims LAWA wrongly blamed the contractor despite knowing the actual cause. The lawsuit also alleges that LAWA modified roadway drawings to expedite work by other airport contractors, even when LINXS's work in those areas was not yet complete.
According to LINXS, the company engaged in two years of good-faith efforts to resolve these issues with LAWA before resorting to legal action. The contractor stated that the lawsuit was necessary to preserve its legal rights under the statute of limitations.
LAWA acknowledged it is reviewing the lawsuit but reiterated its commitment to getting the SkyLink system operational. "Delivering SkyLink is critical to transforming the passenger experience at LAX and ensuring our region is fully prepared to welcome visitors in the years to come," LAWA said in a statement. "LAWA remains fully committed to a collaborative, constructive path forward with LINXS to achieve Passenger Service Availability (PSA) as soon as possible."
The automated people mover, a 2.25-mile electric train, is intended to connect LAX to the Metro rail service and alleviate congestion on the airport's main roadway. Despite hopes that the system might be operational before the FIFA World Cup and serve as a test for the 2028 Olympic Games, it remains in the testing phase with no firm opening date. The project is a component of a broader $30 billion overhaul of LAX. Mayor Karen Bass's office defended the project, stating that significant investments are being made to enhance LAX as a world-class travel destination, including the safe and dependable delivery of the SkyLink system.