Bibb Sets 2029 Target to Close Burke Airport as Council Launches Public Review

Overview

• Mayor Justin Bibb publicly committed to pursuing Burke’s shutdown by the end of his second term in 2029.
• He said any accelerated timeline would hinge on an FAA waiver or action by Congress, with no certainty on federal approval.
• Cleveland City Council set four public hearings starting Jan. 21 to probe expenses, budget impacts, regulatory steps, and market viability.
• The roughly 450-acre site is largely built on landfill and houses an active dredge-disposal facility, which brings engineering and legal constraints.
• Backers of closure cite an estimated $9 million annual operating loss versus a study projecting up to $92 million a year from redevelopment, as airport tenants and the air show lobby to keep Burke open.