According local news Mihaaru, the Maldivian National Football Team affectionately known as the ‘Red Snappers’, are set to arrive on Tuesday following their victory at the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018 in style, on the first A380 flight to land on a Maldivian Tarmac.
To inaugurate the newly finished runway at Velana International Airport (VIA), an A380 aeroplane carrying the Maldivian squad is to be brought home via Etihad Airlines, piloted by Maldivian native and descendant of a prominent family of footballers, Ali Ahsan.
According to Mihaaru's sources, the flight is set to depart from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Maldivian squad will depart to Abu Dhabi from Dhaka, Bangladesh to catch the A380 flight to the Maldives.
The double-decker aeroplane is set to arrive at VIA approximately 4:30 in the evening. The squad will ride across the Sinamale’ bridge before arriving in Male’.
The plans for various activities to welcome the team at the airport are underway.
Furthermore, Maldivian government has officially declared Tuesday to be a public holiday, in celebration of the victory over India in the SAFF championship.
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