More Airport Worries for Brazil 2014

By worldfootballinsider.com

Brazil will let private companies run the airport terminals needed for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, a reversal leaving some entrepreneurs wary about taking part.

The government will offer concessions to firms willing to build - and operate - five major passenger terminals demanded by the tournament, Reuters reports.

Still, the private sector remains hesitant of the red tape that comes hand-in-hand with its involvement.

"Time is short,” Paulo Godoy, head of private infrastructure association Abdib, told the news agency. “We need clear rules of the game fast.”

Around $3 billion is being spent to upgrade Brazil’s airports prior to the World Cup. FIFA has cited the slow pace of construction and upgrades on airports as its chief concern in recent months.

Up to one million visitors are expected for the month-long tournament. With venues in 12 cities spread across Brazil, the World Cup is more dependent on a robust airport infrastructure than the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Two airports serve the city of Rio de Janeiro, one for international travel and one for domestic flights.