Aug 18, 2026 - Health

Cleveland Clinic and UH have no position on Burke's future

Sam Allard

An illustration of a person in teal medical scrubs and white gloves holding a red emergency medical cooler with white cross and exclamation mark on the side against a dark background. — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Supporters of Burke Lakefront Airport say it plays a critical role for Cleveland's two major hospital systems, but neither Cleveland Clinic nor University Hospitals is joining the campaign to keep it open.

Driving the news: A recent letter to Cleveland City Council from local aviation industry professionals described Burke as the "preferred destination for organ transplant flights and critical patient transfers" for the Clinic and UH.

"In life-or-death situations, the time difference for ground transportation between landing at BKL versus Hopkins or Cuyahoga County Airport is the difference between success and tragedy," the letter reads.

Yes, but: Neither hospital is endorsing the campaign to keep Burke open, and Cleveland Clinic says its medical operations don't depend on the airport.

What they're saying: "Should the location change, we have workable alternatives to maintain medical operations," Clinic spokesperson Angela Kiska told Axios.

UH said it has no formal position on Burke and declined to elaborate.

The bottom line: Whatever advantages Burke provides for medical flights, Cleveland Clinic says losing access to the airport wouldn't jeopardize its ability to provide care.

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Cleveland Clinic and UH have no position on Burke's future

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