Arc Flashes at LAX People Mover Draw Concerns as Contractor Dispute Continues

LINXS said in a statement that the system’s safety mechanisms responded as designed during the event. However, an internal LAWA letter dated October 26, 2026, challenged the contractor, stating, “While not exhaustive, LAWA has identified certain statements that require correction or clarification because they are inaccurate, unsupported, omit material context, or characterize disputed LINXS positions as established Project facts.”

Video courtesy KABC Los Angeles

The electrical malfunctions came as LAWA and LINXS are engaged in an ongoing multi-billion-dollar legal battle. In July, LINXS filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles over a disputed $115 million payment, blaming LAWA for project delays and unexpected design changes. The project, which broke ground in 2019, was originally estimated to cost $1.9 billion, but the price tag has risen to over $3.3 billion due to design disputes and numerous change orders.

The SkyLink project is a public-private partnership designed to carry passengers on an electric, driverless train system. The 2.25-mile elevated line features six stations connecting LAX’s central terminal area to a new consolidated car rental facility, economy parking, and local regional transit lines to eliminate 3,200 daily shuttle trips.

LINXS is currently investigating the incident and has not yet provided a root cause for the fires. Sources say repairs have been made, train testing has resumed, and LINXS bears the sole responsibility for those costs under the contractual agreement.

An internal October 26 LAWA letter shows that the project is facing a 252-day delay, according to reports from the independent lenders’ technical advisor. While LINXS’s latest schedule update targeted an opening date in early 2027, LAWA’s official stance is that the launch date remains unvalidated and strictly “TBD.”

According to LAWA, the trains cannot carry passengers until LINXS fixes outstanding issues like structural repairs at the West Central Terminal Area, broken fire and safety systems, and final safety certifications.