Brazil decides against greater opening for foreign air carriers for next year's World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil has decided against opening more routes for foreign air carriers for next year's World Cup, certain it can handle the millions of sports fans who'll use airplanes to get around South America's biggest country.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Civil Aviation Secretary Wellington Moreira Franco says the idea of expanding routes for foreign carriers was never considered. Moreira Franco says that Brazilian carriers can handle the load with 600,000 foreigners and more than 3 million Brazilians expected to head to matches.

Some fear Brazil could be stretched, its creaking airports bulging at the seams. The country has limited rail service, the road network is underdeveloped and overtaxed, and flying will be the only alternative for most traveling to the 12 host cities.