NCAA MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT - FINAL FOUR

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

April 3 - 7, 2026

SPECIAL AIR TRAFFIC PROCEDURES

In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating to and from the Indianapolis, Indiana metropolitan area during the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Final Four weekend, the following procedures will be used to enhance safety and minimize air traffic delays. These procedures will be in effect for aircraft operating to and from the following airports:

These procedures will be in effect during the following time periods:

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Traffic management initiatives will be utilized when arrival rates exceed airport capacity. Pilots should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCT’s) that may be issued for all domestic IFR arrivals to the airports listed in this notice.

PREFERRED IFR ARRIVAL ROUTES

Jet and turboprop aircraft above 10,000 feet should file Standard Terminal Arrival Routes and Departure Procedures, where available, to and from all Indianapolis Area airports.

CLASS C SERVICE

Due to traffic volume, Class C service may not be available beyond 10 miles of Indianapolis International Airport during the time periods listed above.

AIR FILES AND CHANGE OF DESTINATION

Air files, IFR pick-ups, and changes of destination from airborne flights to/from airports listed in this NOTAM will not be accepted except for emergency situations while this program is in effect.

FLIGHT PLANS

To ensure proper processing, flight plans should be filed at least 2 hours prior to departure.

INDIANAPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

IND ATIS 134.25
Clearance Delivery 128.75
Ground Control 121.9
Tower 120.9

Obtain VFR/IFR clearances on 128.75

VFR—Advise A/C ID, A/C type, direction of flight, destination & initial cruise altitude.

IFR—Flight plans will be stored in NAS computer for 2 hours after proposed departure time. Do not contact Clearance Delivery earlier than 30 minutes prior to proposed departure time.

DO NOT contact ground control until aircraft has de-iced (if necessary) and moved to the ramp exit point.

Million Air - When your aircraft is #1 at the exit point, call ground control and specify position by stating Million Air and exit point (i.e., N500TS, number 1 at Million Air (INTL Point 1/2/3, Hotel 2) - Taxi).

Signature - When your aircraft is #1 at the ramp exit, call ground control and specify position by stating Signature and ramp exit location (i.e., N18JG, number 1 at Signature (abeam taxiway Mike 2, Signature Ramp South Exit, Northeast Ramp) – Taxi).

DO NOT CONTACT THE TOWER UNTIL A/C IS #1 HOLDING SHORT OF RUNWAY.

BANNER TOW/ADVERTISING/MEDIA AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

Lucas Oil Stadium lies in close proximity to the Indianapolis Class C surface area. Due to the large volume of traffic in the Indianapolis International/Lucas Oil Stadium area, the number of banner tow/advertising/media operations authorized in the vicinity of the stadium, as well as the time period spent in the area, may be limited by Air Traffic Control.

TRAINING FLIGHTS

Training flights and student solo cross-country flights are highly discouraged in the Central Indiana/Indianapolis metro area (within 40NM of IND). Practice approaches, touch-and-go landings, and other training operations may be limited or suspended.

ADDITIONAL PILOT INFORMATION

WAKE TURBULENCE - Pilots should be aware that a significant amount of wake turbulence may exist due to the large number of aircraft operating in the Indianapolis area. Exercise caution when flying within 30 miles of Indianapolis.

OVERFLIGHT TRAFFIC - Aircraft not landing in the Indianapolis area are requested to avoid overflight below 13,000 MSL within 20 miles of Indianapolis.

RESTRICTED AREA ADVISORY - Pilots should be aware of the existence of Restricted Area R3401A/B to the southeast of Indianapolis. This area is active during scheduled times noted on the aeronautical charts as well as other times by NOTAM. Pilots are reminded that penetration of Restricted Areas without authorization from the using or controlling agency may be extremely hazardous.

PILOTS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE WEATHER BRIEFING AND REVIEW ALL APPLICABLE NOTAMS PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FLIGHT

For further information contact:
FAA Indianapolis ARTCC
Traffic Management Unit
1850 S. Sigsbee Street
Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-247-2243

(AJV-C23, 1/28/2026)