FAA Software Glitch Mislabels Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport

The federal agency incorrectly listed the downtown airport as a 'general aviation' facility, sparking debate over its future.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of the control tower and runways of an airport, with neon cyan and magenta lights highlighting the physical technology infrastructure. The conceptual image represents the FAA's software error in categorizing the airport's designation.An illuminated visualization of the FAA's software glitch that mislabeled Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport, exposing the need for reliable federal data on the nation's aviation infrastructure.Cleveland Today

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged a software error that incorrectly listed Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport as a 'general aviation' facility in its latest National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report, when in reality it serves as a 'reliever' airport for the nearby Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This designation error has become a point of contention in the ongoing debate over whether to close Burke Lakefront Airport.

Why it matters

The airport's designation as a reliever or general aviation facility can impact its eligibility for federal funding and influence the broader discussion around its potential closure. Mayor Justin Bibb has made shutting down Burke Lakefront Airport a priority, but the FAA's mistake has added a new wrinkle to the debate.

The details

According to an FAA spokesperson, the software glitch will be corrected in the agency's next update to the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report in 2027. Reliever airports are designated to help alleviate congestion at commercial service airports and provide more general aviation access to the community. Other reliever airports in Northeast Ohio include Cuyahoga County Airport, Lorain County Regional Airport, and Lake County Executive Airport.

  • The FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report is updated every few years, with the next update scheduled for 2027.
  • The issue of Burke Lakefront Airport's designation was raised during a recent Cleveland City Council transportation and mobility committee hearing.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Justin Bibb

The mayor of Cleveland, who has made closing Burke Lakefront Airport a priority for his second term.

Jessica Trivisonno

The mayor's deputy chief of staff and chief strategy officer, who informed the city council about the FAA's incorrect designation of Burke Lakefront Airport.

Charles Slife

The Cleveland City Council member who chairs the transportation and mobility committee and noted that the airport's designation is 'one piece of the analysis' in the broader debate over its future.

Kyle Lewis

The Great Lakes regional manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, who argued that removing a reliever airport affects the entire system and could impact where diverted flights are able to land.

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What they’re saying

“If there's a storm at Hopkins, they're not going to divert to Burke.”

— Charles Slife, Cleveland City Council member

“These reliever airports are designed as part of the system. If you take away a reliever airport, where is that traffic going to go?”

— Kyle Lewis, Great Lakes regional manager, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

“I would universally appreciate fewer glitches coming out of the FAA in this administration.”

— Charles Slife, Cleveland City Council member

What’s next

The FAA has stated that the incorrect designation of Burke Lakefront Airport will be fixed in the agency's next update to the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report, scheduled for 2027. In the meantime, the debate over the airport's future will likely continue, with the designation issue being just one factor considered by city officials and stakeholders.

The takeaway

This FAA software glitch has added an unexpected wrinkle to the ongoing discussion around the potential closure of Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. While the designation error is set to be corrected, it has highlighted the importance of accurate data and the potential impact of such mistakes on critical infrastructure decisions.