Sign the Letter to Our Policymakers
September 9, 2026
The Honorable Bernie Moreno
United States Senate
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Jon Husted
United States Senate
304 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Bryan Bedford
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
RE: Thank you for protecting Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport, the Cleveland National Air Show, Ohio jobs, significant economic impact, and STEM education
As Ohio residents, aviation enthusiasts,and airport stakeholders, thank you for your steadfast commitment to preserving Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL), the regulatory process, and aviation safety. BKL is important to current and future economic growth, Cleveland’s world-renowned healthcare facilities, the Cleveland National Air Show, and opportunities for Cleveland’s future leaders.
The Cleveland National Air Show provides $17 million in economic benefit to the city in a single weekend. Without Burke, the city would lose the airshow and the $2.3 million it provides in annual tax revenue.
The airport sustains 664 jobs and generates over $195 million in annual economic impact for the city. Fortune 500 companies and world-class medical institutions rely heavily on the airport for critical patient transport and time-sensitive organ transplant operations.
BKL also plays an important role in introducing underrepresented, young Clevelanders to rewarding, high-paying careers in aviation. It also serves as home to many full time pilots, mechanics, and aviation business professionals, providing them with prosperous careers that benefit the city.
Cleveland is better because of Burke and your commitment to preserve it. Thank you for your dedicated leadership in advancing Ohio’s infrastructure, economy, and future workforce.
Sincerely,
In the News
Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association
Closing the airport would drain the city’s economy of more than $195 million in direct annual economic activity while also forcing the cancellation of the Cleveland National Air Show.
Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership
The Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership (LAPP) issued a statement ahead of the upcoming Cleveland City Council Transportation and Mobility Committee hearing on the future of Burke Lakefront Airport.
News 5 Cleveland
On Wednesday, October 7, local business, healthcare and education leaders present a case for this regional infrastructure as the mayor pushes a potentially expensive closure.
