World Cup to Have Nearly 2,000 New Flights to Meet Demand

01/17/2014 - 08h20

The Brazilian airline network will have nearly 2,000 new flights for the World Cup.

ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency) authorized reviewing operations for airline companies to meet demand from soccer fans between June 6 and July 20, a week before and a week later games start and end.

In total, the airline companies now have 1,973 new flights, an additional 1% from what it exists today.

According to ANAC, there were 78,027 changes in known routes. This include flight cancellations with less demand during the adaptation of schedules and routes. The regulatory agency did not explain how many flights were canceled.

Flights authorized for the World Cup will be marketed starting today if companies accept the flight proposals from ANAC.

According to the CEO from the agency, Marcelo Guaranys, the network expansion will not exceed airports capacity, neither should interrupt travel from soccer fans during the period.

Authorized changes indicate that about 42% of the Brazilian airline network will undergo changes at the World Cup. Under special coordination from the agency we find 25 airports directly affected by the increase in passenger demand in the host and nearby cities.

"There are no more schedules, with more flights, than the airport's capacity. Of course we will have peak periods, just like when it is Christmas time," he said .

Guaranys also stressed that "there is no risk in having an air blackout" in the period where the entire agency workforce will be active.

He added that there is an expectation that the flight increase might represent lower prices for the consumer. "With the days and locations of the games settled, with a higher offering, this will allow that end prices might fall."

According to him, only 4% of the seats were sold for the period of the World Cup so far.

HOTELS

The government wants the daily rates at the World Cup 12 host cities will be, at most, equivalent to those charged during high season. If they exceed the value, they ought to be considered as abusive.

The measure, according to the National Consumer Bureau, is a request, not a determination.

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

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Eduardo Knapp/Folhapress

The Brazilian airline network will have nearly 2,000 new flights for the World Cup