The Heroic Actions of Captain Roger Alonso Castillo Rivas
On May 6, 2025, the VB755 flight of Viva Aerobus, traveling from Miami to Mérida, encountered a life-threatening emergency when one of its engines failed mid-flight. At an altitude exceeding 30,000 feet, the lives of dozens of passengers hinged on the skills and professionalism of the pilot. That day, Captain Roger Alonso Castillo Rivas emerged as a ‘hero without a cape’.
Roger was born in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, and at just 31 years old, he has dedicated much of his life to the skies. His passion for aviation was evident from a young age, culminating in his graduation from the Institute of Aeronautical Studies of Veracruz in 2018 as a qualified commercial pilot. Over the past eight years, he has gained invaluable experience, leading him to join Viva Aerobus, one of Mexico’s leading low-cost airlines, in 2023.
Shortly after his induction, Castillo’s exceptional performance earned him the title of captain of an Airbus A320, a testament to his skills and training. Unbeknownst to him, just months later, he would be faced with making life-and-death decisions during an international flight.
Currently residing in Mérida, Yucatán, Castillo has become a respected figure in his community. He is the son of Roger Castillo Valencia, a well-known local businessman who has made significant contributions to the region.
The flight took off from Florida and headed toward the Yucatan capital, carrying numerous passengers unaware of the impending crisis. As the aircraft crossed the Caribbean, one of the Airbus A321-271NX engines experienced a catastrophic failure.
Reacting swiftly, Castillo decided to turn off the malfunctioning engine to prevent a potential fire or further structural issues. He immediately diverted the flight toward José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba, and prepared for an emergency landing on a runway shorter than usual—an inherently risky maneuver.
Thanks to his rapid decision-making and expert control of the aircraft, Roger Castillo preserved the lives of everyone on board. The landing unfolded without major injuries or incidents, thus averting a potential aviation disaster. Grateful passengers expressed their appreciation for Castillo’s heroic actions, commending his professionalism under such dire circumstances.
In light of his courageous actions, the Mérida City Council honored Roger Alonso Castillo with the title of "Meridano Valor". This award celebrates individuals who demonstrate solidarity and commitment to the welfare of the community, aiming to inspire others to act with similar courage and responsibility.
"Today we delivered the distinction ‘Meridano’ to Captain Roger Alonso Castillo Rivas, who demonstrated temper, expertise, and great professionalism when making a crucial decision that avoided a tragedy," said Mayor Cecilia Patron on her social media profiles. "These are the stories that make us proud as a society: dedicated Mexicans who leave their mark through vocation and professionalism."
In response to his recognition, Captain Castillo expressed his gratitude: "Thank you very much, Cecilia Patron, for this recognition ‘Meridano Valor’; it is an honor to receive it." His humility and dedication are testaments to the true spirit of a hero.