A coordinated advocacy effort to preserve Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland took a major step forward earlier this month when both U.S. senators from Ohio and the FAA administrator publicly opposed efforts to close the airport.

 

ICAS has been an active participant in the Lakefront Airport Preservation Partnership, a coalition of aviation organizations, local businesses, pilots and other stakeholders working to protect the airport. Burke Lakefront Airport is also home to the longtime ICAS member Cleveland National Air Show.

 

During an August 14 visit to Cleveland, Senator Bernie Moreno and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described the proposed closure as a non-starter and emphasized the value of maintaining existing aviation infrastructure. Senator Jon Husted also expressed his opposition, saying any proposed change should proceed through the traditional FAA review process.

 

The City of Cleveland has not formally abandoned its closure effort, and additional work remains. But the public opposition of Ohio’s two senators and the FAA administrator represents meaningful progress and demonstrates the value of coordinated, sustained industry advocacy. ICAS will continue working with its partners to support Burke Lakefront Airport and the Cleveland National Air Show.