FAA reverses decision, keeps Indianapolis Downtown Heliport open for public use

The Federal Aviation Administration reversed its earlier plan to close Indianapolis Downtown Heliport (8A4) and ordered the Indianapolis Airport Authority to keep the 5.36‑acre site available for public aviation.

The agency also refused to release the airport authority from its Airport Improvement Program obligations, preventing a sale for non‑aviation redevelopment. The authority had pursued closure since 2021, citing declining helicopter activity despite high operating costs, and the heliport logged 447 operations in 2025 excluding IU Health flights that moved to Indianapolis Regional Airport. The FAA had initially supported closure in November 2024, arguing that sale proceeds could be reinvested at Indianapolis Regional. During the review, 737 public comments were received, with 686 favoring continued operation and 41 supporting closure, and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said the decision benefits taxpayers, public safety, advanced air mobility and aviation generally.