Los Angeles International Airport’s automated People Mover system will not open as originally scheduled after the project’s contractor asked for more time to complete testing. The request, filed on Thursday, pushes the start date for the train that will connect the airport’s terminals further into the future.
Airport officials confirmed that the contractor’s request centers on the need for additional verification of system performance and safety. The extra testing period is intended to ensure that the fully automated trains meet all operational standards before passengers begin using the service.
The People Mover, designed to shuttle travelers between terminals without the need for shuttle buses, has already experienced several postponements since construction began. Each delay has been attributed to a range of issues, and the latest setback follows the contractor’s assessment that the current testing schedule does not allow sufficient time to address all technical requirements.
Airport management said the decision to grant the extra testing time reflects a commitment to passenger safety and system reliability. While the exact new opening date has not been announced, officials indicated that they will continue to monitor progress and provide updates as the testing phase advances.
Stakeholders, including airlines and ground transportation providers, have been informed of the revised timeline. The airport’s broader modernization plan includes the People Mover as a key component for improving terminal connectivity and reducing congestion on airport roads.
The delay underscores the challenges inherent in implementing complex automated transit solutions in a high‑traffic environment. As the contractor works through the additional testing procedures, LAX remains focused on delivering a fully functional and safe People Mover system for the millions of travelers who pass through the airport each year.