INDIANAPOLIS – After intervening on behalf of the state’s interests, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined the Indianapolis Airport Authority is not authorized to close the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, keeping it open as an aviation facility and preserving a significant state asset.
The FAA’s decision withdraws the agency’s prior Notice of Permanent Closure and rescinds its November 25, 2024, Letter of Intent that would have allowed the permanent closure and sale of the 5.36-acre site. The FAA’s reasoning relies heavily on arguments submitted by Rokita and state agencies he represents.
“This is a win for Indiana’s taxpayers, public safety, the future of advanced air mobility, and aviation generally,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The downtown heliport is a unique asset that, in addition to serving passengers and general aviation, also serves law enforcement, homeland security, military support, and emergency medical services. It will also help with the emerging technology. Closing it for non-aviation redevelopment would have been shortsighted and contrary to the public interest, not to mention a waste of the millions of dollars state taxpayers have invested in the infrastructure. We don’t want the Indianapolis mayor or the Indianapolis Airport Authority to do here what the shortsighted city of Chicago did to Meigs Field.”
In addition to a petition for review that he filed in federal court to halt the closure, Attorney General Rokita formally requested reconsideration of the heliport’s sale to Indianapolis in December 2025. He cited concerns about the process, the under-consideration of a higher private offer that would have preserved aviation use, the composition of the Airport Authority board, unmet grant obligations, and the strategic value of the site for drone and electric vertical takeoff and landing technologies (eVTOL).
The FAA received more than 700 comments during the extended public comment period. The vast majority supported keeping the heliport open. Supporting comments came from the Governor of Indiana, the Indiana State Police, aviation professionals, emergency medical providers, and business users. The comment submitted by the Attorney General on behalf of the State also incorporated the support of the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Economic Development Commission, Department of Homeland Security, and the Indiana National Guard.
In its analysis, the FAA emphasized:
- The net benefit to civil aviation of preserving existing infrastructure for current operations and future advanced air mobility and eVTOL needs;
- The Indiana Department of Transportation’s longstanding recommendation to explore alternatives that maintain the heliport in the state aviation system;
- Demonstrated interest from a private party prepared to purchase and continue operating the facility as a public-use heliport; and
- Updated federal policy priorities in favor of retaining aviation assets to accelerate safe eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility deployment.
Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the heliport provides critical vertical-lift access for emergency medical services, law enforcement operations, helicopter training, dignitary and VIP transport, refueling, and commercial users. It also remains well-positioned to support emerging advanced air mobility and eVTOL operations.
The FAA’s notice can be read here. The Attorney General’s comment can be found here.
