Brazil air regulator approves 1,973 new flights; hopes to meet World Cup demand, lower fares

BRASILIA, Brazil – Brazil's air regulator has just approved 1,973 new flights that it hopes will meet demand during the World Cup and fares from soaring.

Civil aviation authority president Marcelo Guaranys says he's "hoping there will be a price reduction."

The new flights approved Thursday will be operated primarily by Brazil's four main carriers — TAM, Gol, Avianca and Azul. Nearly all the flights are domestic routes.

Avianca and Azul have already announced they will cap one-way fares at 999 reals, or $425, during the World Cup. TAM and Gol have not announced caps.

The World Cup opens June 12 in Sao Paulo and ends July 13 in Rio de Janeiro.