Avianca said today it would match Azul and limit one-way fares to a maximum of USD 425.
Brazil's airline industry has come under pressure to control fares from the national government, which has threatened to intervene if price increases are seen as gouging customers.
The government has made similar threats against hotels, some of which have increased prices as much as five times.
Brazil's tourist agency Embratur has estimated between 500,000-600,000 foreign fans will visit Brazil with more than 3 million local tourists traveling to matches in 12 cities across the continent-size country.
Despite the cap on prices, fans could still face long trips going through many airports that are old and outdated. Brazil is slightly larger than the continental United States, but smaller when Alaska and Hawaii are counted.
Later this week authorities are expected to authorize new domestic flights. Four Brazilian airlines have requests with the government to add 1,523 extra flights during the World Cup period. However, the added routes could put more pressure on the already crowded airports and related infrastructure.
Air will be the only mode of travel for most foreigners. Brazil has limited rail service and the road network is underdeveloped and crowded.
A study published in October by Sao Paulo newspaper Folha de S Paulo showed that airfares during the World Cup were up to 10 times more expensive than normal.
Air travel is only part of a list of problems surrounding the World Cup, which opens on June 12 in Sao Paulo and ends on July 13 in Rio.
Brazil is spending about USD 3.6 billion on new stadiums or refurbishing old ones, and the price keeps increasing with cost overruns and worker overtime.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter acknowledged to the Swiss newspaper 24 Heures that Brazil is "the country that is the furthest behind" in World Cup preparations in his four decades of experience.
Police are also preparing for protests, some of which may center on the billions being spent in a country with rampant social inequality and poor schools and hospitals.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app