The Federal Aviation Administration has reversed its approval for the permanent closure of Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, blocking the Indianapolis Airport Authority from selling the 5.36-acre site for non-aviation redevelopment. The decision preserves the downtown Indianapolis facility for aviation use, although it has not handled active operations since 15 December 2025, and disrupts plans to develop the property for a proposed professional football stadium.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita requested reconsideration of the FAA’s 2024 approval, which would have enabled the airport authority to transfer the property to the city. The authority had approved a sale valued at approximately $10.9 million, while the city had considered the site for a stadium and other redevelopment.
The FAA’s determination followed an extended review that generated more than 700 public comments, many favouring retention of the heliport. The agency also concluded that it had not been aware of the city’s purchase offer when it approved the closure.
Supporters of continued aviation use have identified potential roles in law enforcement, emergency medical services, homeland security, military operations, passenger transport, general aviation and advanced air mobility. The airport authority has been instructed to pause post-closure decommissioning and sale-related activity while it reviews the determination. It has not indicated its next steps.