Proponents Fighting To Keep Valuable Downtown Heliports Open | Aviation International News

Proponents Fighting To Keep Downtown Heliports Open

Once closed, critical facilities will never be replaced

IU Health helicopter at 8A4 Indianapolis Heliport — An IU Health helicopter at the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport © Rex Alexander, Five-Alpha

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

February 1, 2026

The city government of Indianapolis, Indiana, recently achieved its goal of shutting down the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport (8A4) and is trying to sell the property. And, the Portland, Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) closed the only public heliport in the city’s downtown area, Portland Downtown Helistop (61J), in December.

However, local groups and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) are fighting both efforts, and in the case of 8A4, a public comment period on the proposal to allow it to close has been reopened until February 12. VAI is urging helicopter proponents to submit comments in support of keeping 8A4 open.

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