Expansion needed

Expanding the airspace is also urgent, experts said.

The scarce airspace available for civil use has been noted by the government, especially when China's civil aviation industry is still developing at a rapid pace, said Li with the Comprehensive Transport Institute.

Air passengers throughout China last year were 620 million, and that number is estimated to double by 2020.

Airports, fleets and air routes all have to expand to meet the demand, he said.

"It's not just a problem for Guangzhou. The same problem exists in Beijing, Wuhan and Changsha," Li said.

According to a draft plan on the development of the civil aviation industry issued by the Hunan provincial authorities, 21 more general aviation airports will be built in the Central China province before 2030, the Changsha Evening News reported on Thursday.

In neighboring Hubei province, nine airports will be built in the next 18 years, increasing the total number of airports in the province to 13.

In Wuhan, Hubei's provincial capital, a second airport will be built, according to local media reports.

"Though the negotiation process over airspace will be time-consuming and difficult, it will work out finally. It has to," Li said.

Xu Wei contributed to this story.

xindingding@chinadaily.com.cn