Cleveland National Air Show's Future Uncertain as Burke Lakefront Airport Debate Continues

Proposed closure of airport raises concerns over air show's financial viability and ability to continue for future generations.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The future of the Cleveland National Air Show is in question as the city of Cleveland debates the potential closure of Burke Lakefront Airport, which has hosted the iconic air show for over 60 years. The air show's executive director, Kim Dell, says the event relies heavily on revenue generated from spectators attending at the airport, and the loss of that venue could make the event financially unsustainable. Others in the aviation community have suggested adjustments to the airport rather than a full closure, in order to preserve the air show and the airport's other uses.

Why it matters

The Cleveland National Air Show is a beloved regional tradition that has inspired countless people, including future pilots. Its potential demise would be a significant loss for the city and the broader aviation community. The debate over Burke Lakefront Airport's future highlights the challenges of balancing economic development, public access, and preserving long-standing community events.

The details

The Cleveland National Air Show has been a Labor Day tradition along the city's lakefront for over 60 years, drawing thousands of spectators each year to watch military jets fly over Lake Erie. The event is run by a nonprofit organization that relies on revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking, and sponsorships to cover its seven-figure production costs. However, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has proposed closing Burke Lakefront Airport, the air show's longtime venue, in order to redevelop the 450-acre lakefront property. Air show executive director Kim Dell says the loss of the airport as a spectator area would make it very difficult to sustain the event financially.

  • The Cleveland National Air Show has been a Labor Day tradition for over 60 years.
  • The 2025 Cleveland National Air Show featured a former air show attendee as a member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The players

Kim Dell

The executive director of the Cleveland National Air Show.

Justin Bibb

The mayor of Cleveland who has proposed closing Burke Lakefront Airport.

Ned Parks

The president of the Northeast Ohio Pilots Association, who believes the conversation should focus on adjusting the airport rather than closing it entirely.

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What they’re saying

“The Cleveland National Air Show is one of the oldest and most iconic air shows in the United States.”

— Kim Dell, Executive Director, Cleveland National Air Show

“It's very, very concerning, obviously.”

— Kim Dell, Executive Director, Cleveland National Air Show

“We've always said that this airport is underutilized there's no question there's no debate about. but in our mind this is a both and not an either or. Our conversation should not be shut the airport or keep it open, our conversation should be how do we lean into this airport.”

— Ned Parks, President, Northeast Ohio Pilots Association

What’s next

The future of Burke Lakefront Airport and the Cleveland National Air Show remains uncertain as city leaders continue to debate the proposed closure of the airport.

The takeaway

The debate over Burke Lakefront Airport's future highlights the delicate balance between economic development, public access, and preserving long-standing community traditions like the Cleveland National Air Show. As the city considers its options, stakeholders will need to find creative solutions that address the airport's underutilization while also ensuring the air show can continue for future generations.