Brazil to Put Airports to Test during Confed Cup

The Brazilian government plans to improve services at its airports during the Confederations Cup, bringing in more workers and expanding security for the increased passenger traffic expected during the warm-up tournament ahead of the World Cup.

The government says it will increase staff by 77 percent at the six airports used for the June 15-30 tournament, including the number of police, and custom and immigration officers.

Civil Aviation Minister Wellington Moreira Franco said Thursday the goal is to "guarantee the quality of services" now and "put the preparations to test to avoid surprises" in the World Cup.

Improving airport infrastructure is one of Brazil's biggest challenges for the sporting events it will host, including the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Airport renovation has been under way in all 12 World Cup cities.