Varam Heliport

The closure resulted from a combination of factors: 1) Intense regulatory pressure due to severe and persistent noise complaints from residents and businesses in the densely populated area of Avenida Paulista. 2) Increased safety concerns and the implementation of stricter operational standards for heliports in urban centers, which the site could not meet. 3) The financial decline and eventual cessation of operations of its owner and primary user, Varam Táxi Aéreo, a major helicopter taxi company that filed for bankruptcy protection in the early 1990s.

The site is permanently closed and has been completely decommissioned as an aviation facility. The landing pad, markings, and associated heliport infrastructure have been removed. The rooftop space is now exclusively used for building utilities, housing large HVAC units, communication antennas, and other essential equipment for the Conjunto Nacional complex. The area is inaccessible to the public.

The Varam Heliport, also known as the 'Heliponto do Conjunto Nacional', was one of the first and most iconic heliports in São Paulo. Opened in the 1970s, its location atop the landmark Conjunto Nacional building on Avenida Paulista made it a prominent symbol of corporate power and modernity in Brazil's financial capital. It was the main operational base for Varam Táxi Aéreo, a pioneer in executive helicopter transport. The heliport served high-profile clients, including top executives, politicians, and celebrities, providing a crucial way to bypass the city's notorious traffic. Operations primarily consisted of light helicopters such as the Bell 206 JetRanger and Hughes 500.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. A reopening is considered virtually impossible due to the reasons for its original closure being even more relevant today. Modern aviation regulations regarding noise abatement, flight path safety, and structural requirements for heliports in hyper-dense urban environments are exceedingly strict. Furthermore, the Conjunto Nacional is a protected architectural landmark, which would severely complicate or prevent the structural modifications needed to comply with current standards.