World Cup Reduces Passenger Traffic in Brazilian Airports

07/11/2014 - 09h54

The World Cup has reduced the growth rate of passenger traffic in Brazilian airports.

According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, during the first 25 days of the World Cup, 12 million people transited through 21 airports in the host cities and neighbouring towns.

The number represents a 5.9% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data gathered by Folha.

From June 12 to July 6, 2013 these airports received 11.36 million passengers.

In the first five months of the year however, the average monthly growth rate in the country´s airports was 9.4%.

If the rhythm had remained the same, airports would have received 428 thousand additional passengers. The numbers take in to consideration the transfer of domestic and international passengers, regular and charter flights.

The 21 airports represent nearly 90% of the sector´s traffic.

An analysis of this data reveals that the traffic directly related to the World Cup was not enough to make up for the loss of "regular" passengers. Business trips were visibly reduced.

In two of the recently privatized airports, Viracopos (Campinas, SP) and Brasilia, the passenger growth rate was going at a fairly normal rate and dropped with the initial kick off.

In Brasilia, the passenger growth rate was up 9.1% in June compared to the same month last year.

However, when the World Cup was on (June 12-30) the increase was of merely 4.5%.

In the previous months of 2014, the average growth rate was 13%.

At Guarulhos airport, the main port of entry for foreigners to Brazil, passenger traffic was boosted by the World Cup. Growth throughout June was of 11.5% initially and 14% during the games.

TAM revealed this week that it carried 5.2% less passengers in June, compared to the same month in 2013. Before the opening of the World Cup, the company had predicted it would lose out from the event. The company carries the most business passengers and demand was considerably affected in this area.

Translated by MILLI LEGRAIN

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	Zanone Fraissat - 19.jun.2014/Folhapress
	The World Cup has reduced the growth rate of passenger traffic in Brazilian airports