Dear Air Show Fan,

For more than 60 years, the Cleveland National Air Show has been a Labor Day weekend tradition bringing families, communities, and aviation enthusiasts together on our city’s lakefront.

We are writing today because the future of the Air Show is at risk and we need your help.

First, we want to be clear: the 2026 Air Show is moving forward as planned.
However, decisions being considered now will determine whether the Air Show can continue beyond that.

The City of Cleveland is exploring the closure and redevelopment of Burke Lakefront Airport. As part of that process, the Air Show has been asked to evaluate a remote or overwater format.

After careful review, the conclusion is straightforward:

Without Burke Lakefront Airport, the Cleveland National Air Show cannot continue, and this has been communicated to the City of Cleveland.

Air shows require a safe, controlled environment for aircraft operations, along with a defined space for spectators. Just as importantly, the Air Show is a financially self-sustaining nonprofit. Revenue from ticket sales, parking, concessions, and sponsorships directly supports the production of the event each year.

While other shows operate remote or overwater models, conditions unique to Cleveland’s geography and situation eliminate these essential elements making it neither operationally practical nor financially viable.

This isn’t about modifying the Air Show. It’s about whether it can exist at all.

The Cleveland National Air Show is more than an event:

  • It generates a $17.9 million economic impact for the region
  • It supports local businesses and tourism
  • It connects our community with the military and aviation
  • It has been a shared tradition for generations of Northeast Ohio families

Now, we are asking for your support.

If the Air Show has meant something to you or your family, we encourage you to take a moment to make your voice heard.

What You Can Do

Contact local and state leaders and ask them to support keeping Burke Lakefront Airport open and preserving the Air Show. A short message takes just a few minutes and can make a real difference.

Suggested Message

“I’m reaching out as a supporter of the Cleveland National Air Show. The potential closure of Burke Lakefront Airport would result in the loss of this 60+ year Cleveland tradition. I strongly encourage you to support keeping Burke open and ensuring the future of the Air Show.” Personal stories and memories are especially impactful.

Who to Contact

Senator John Husted
1240 East 9th Street, Suite 3061
Cleveland, OH 44199
(216) 539-7877
www.husted.senate.gov/contact/contact-jon/

Senator Bernie Moreno
Carl B. Stokes U.S. Courthouse
801 W Superior Ave., STE 1400
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 522-7272
www.moreno.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/

Mayor Justin Bibb
Cleveland City Hall
601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 227
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 664-2000
[email protected]

Councilman Charles Slife
Transportation Committee Chairman
Cleveland City Council
601 Lakeside Ave, Room 220
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 664-4239
[email protected]

Thank you for being part of the Air Show community—and for helping ensure it continues to fly for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Board of Trustees
Cleveland National Air Show