CONAKRY, GUINEA—A pilot from New Jersey has been released after spending months detained in the West African nation of Guinea following a disputed refueling stop during an international charter flight.

Background of the Case

Fabio Nicolás Espinal Núñez, a 33‑year‑old pilot who lives in Ewing, was arrested on December 28, 2025, in Conakry, Guinea, along with his co‑pilot Bradley Scott Schlenker of Chicago.

The two pilots were operating a Gulfstream GIV private jet transporting a Brazilian family of five from Suriname to Dubai when the aircraft landed for a planned fuel stop at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in the West African nation’s capital.

Arrest in Guinea, Weeks in Detention

After the aircraft landed, Guinean military personnel reportedly surrounded the plane and detained the pilots. The men were later accused by authorities of violating the country's airspace and making an unauthorized landing.

The pilots and their families have maintained that the aircraft had communicated with air traffic control and received clearance to land before touching down.

Espinal and Schlenker remained imprisoned in Conakry for weeks while legal proceedings and diplomatic efforts continued. Family members and supporters raised concerns about prison conditions and called for assistance from U.S. officials.

Release on Bail and Community Reaction

On March 13, 2026, aviation organizations and Dominican officials confirmed that Espinal had been released on bail after months of detention. Diplomatic efforts by several governments and aviation groups helped secure the decision.

Authorities say legal proceedings may still continue, but Espinal’s supporters say the priority is ensuring his safe return home to New Jersey.

The case has drawn attention across the aviation community, highlighting the operational risks pilots may face when conducting international charter flights, particularly when navigating complex airspace regulations in politically sensitive regions.

Sources

• CBS News New York, “N.J. pilot jailed in Republic of Guinea for 6 weeks. Here's why he and the co-pilot are stuck there,” (February 9, 2026)

• Diario Libre “Piloto dominicano es liberado bajo fianza tras meses detenido en Guinea” (March 13, 2026)

• People Magazine, “Family of 2 American Pilots Met with Machine Guns During Routine Fuel Stop in Guinea 'Desperate' for Their Return,” (February 10, 2026)