GUINEA- Two American pilots remain imprisoned after Guinean authorities detained them during a routine refueling stop despite reported landing clearance.
The pilots were transporting a Brazilian family from Suriname (PBM) to Dubai (DXB) when armed forces surrounded their aircraft upon arrival.
Two American Pilots Detained in Guinea
Pilots Fabio Espinal Nunez of New Jersey and Brad Schlenker of Illinois were detained on December 30, 2025, after landing in Guinea (CKY) during a planned fuel stop.
Reports from CBS News state that Guinean authorities later accused them of violating national airspace.
Both pilots say air traffic control granted landing permission. Flight transcripts reportedly support this claim, showing the aircraft received clearance before landing. The crew states they would have diverted elsewhere if denied entry.
Nunez recalled that roughly 100 armed personnel surrounded the aircraft, pointing assault rifles while speaking French, a language the crew did not understand.
Schlenker described opening the aircraft door to find multiple machine guns, armored vehicles, and heavily armed forces waiting.
Schlenker’s brother Jon said the pilots would have flown to another airport had permission been refused.
Instead, they were authorized to land and then detained, which he described as resembling a bait and switch situation.
Reported by The People, relatives believe the detention may stem from tensions between Guinea’s civil authorities and military leadership rather than an aviation violation.
Detention Continues Despite Judicial Clearance Claims
Lauren Stevenson, Nunez’s fiancée, says three civil court judges approved the pilots’ release, yet military authorities continue holding them. Additional court proceedings remain scheduled, extending uncertainty.
Family members argue the pilots have become caught in a complex political dispute rather than a legitimate criminal case.
Schlenker has reportedly been able to call home daily, and relatives say he is treated somewhat better as a foreign detainee, though both pilots remain under stressful conditions far from their families.
At the time of reporting, the men had been held for nearly 6 weeks.
Prison Conditions Raise Safety Concerns
Family members describe severe overcrowding at the detention facility. A prison reportedly built to hold about 300 inmates now houses around 1,000 people.
According to accounts shared by relatives, prisoners rely on family or friends to provide food. Detainees often take turns sleeping due to a lack of space, while sanitation conditions remain poor.
Families say the pilots’ physical and mental well-being remains a growing concern as detention continues.
Families Urge Stronger US Government Action
Relatives say they are appealing directly to the U.S. government, including the State Department and the Trump administration, after claiming embassy assistance has not produced results.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed awareness of the December 30 detention and said consular officers have visited the pilots four times while assisting with international law.
Media outlets have also sought comments from the White House and the US Embassy in Guinea regarding the situation.
Families continue urging faster diplomatic intervention, saying they fear for the pilots’ safety if the situation remains unresolved.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
