Last week NATA continued its advocacy to protect Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) from closure, urging a thoughtful, transparent, and fact-based evaluation of the airport’s long-term value to Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region.
NATA recognizes public-use airports as strategic infrastructure assets whose value extends well beyond aviation operations. Burke Lakefront Airport exemplifies that role. As the FAA-designated reliever airport for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, it is an integral part of the region’s transportation network and the National Airspace System, supporting commerce, emergency response, workforce development, regional connectivity, and the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. Together, those functions illustrate the broad public benefits aviation infrastructure provides to communities, businesses, and the nation’s transportation system.
“As Cleveland considers the future of Burke Lakefront Airport, it’s important to evaluate both the challenges and opportunities that redevelopment may create, but also what the community would lose if the airport were no longer there. Airports are strategic public assets that support businesses, residents, visitors, emergency responders, and the broader transportation network while helping communities remain connected and competitive,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
