Fans likely to see sharp hikes in Brazilian airfares

[RIO DE JANEIRO] Football fans hoping to attend the 2014 World Cup will have to get busy saving now, amid reports of sharp fare hikes next year in Brazil.

Last June's Confederations Cup dress rehearsal saw marked increases in airfares and hotel prices, but increases are expected to be even worse next year, when supporters of 32 teams descend upon Brazil, pushing demand through the roof.

"A Sao Paulo-Rio flight already costs almost the same as going to New York," wrote an incredulous Folha de Sao Paulo daily newspaper on Monday. The paper indicated that June 12 return flights from Rio to Sao Paulo, which will stage the opening match that day, will cost 2,393 reais (S$1,362).