Date: 202012
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.ARTCC, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Thunderstorm
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Other Post flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted
Contributing factors: Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: We blocked in late after completing our flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1 after a diversion to ZZZ from ZZZ2; due to ZZZ ATC [Center] closures during our original flight. With an early report and the late block in; we fear we may have exceeded Flight/Duty time. On our flight from ZZZ2 near ZZZ VOR; we were informed that ZZZ Center was closed and would remained closed for several hours. We coordinated with Dispatch and decided our first alternate choice of ZZZ4; while closer would be unsuitable since we would have no access to customs should we need to deplane. ZZZ was agreed to be the best alternative. We landed and parked with no further incident. Once on the ground; we were advised that ATC would open at XA:00Z and we had a new flight plan for XAZ and an EDT of XA:40Z. We spent the following XX:23 [hours] in constant communication with Dispatch; ZZZ Clearance and Ground; scheduling; and operations. During this time; we were told that if we could get fuel; it was coordinated that we would be priority one for departure and our communications reflected that. The fuel truck took longer than expected due to lightning; arriving at approximately XA:45Z. At that time; we received a warning message for our [departure time]. I contacted dispatch and together with ATC; coordinated a new release which would allow for a [departure time] of XB:34Z. We were informed that we also had only 25 mins to get airborne from block out due to flight time regulations; but if we could do that we would be legal. We were cleared via the filed route and given clearance to depart. With efficient and professional teamwork from all involved; we were able to close; push; taxi; and takeoff in 19 minutes. Just prior to takeoff; we were given a quote 'short reroute' by ATC; which we believed would still allow for compliance with the FARs. We made changes and were off at XB:31Z; 3 minutes prior to [departure time]. We confirmed the route with dispatch immediately once time permitted (at approximately 10;000ft) via ACARS. We worked with ZZZ1 Center ATC and were able to receive two shortcuts; which further shaved off time from our arrival; which was still in time from the new numbers we received from dispatch. The flight was very busy due to the high volume of ATC communications; turbulence; avoiding thunderstorms; performing duties; and trying to maintain situational awareness. We also worked to double check our times; to ensure compliance. Once we switched to ZZZ Center; we received multiple delay vectors and made to reduce speed. Once with approach; we were slowed to 190 on the arrival and 170 prior to intercepting final at ZZZZZ for the ILS [Runway] XXR; a 20 mile final. On the ground we received a very short taxi of approximately 3 minutes to parked short of our gate. We then waited over 10 minutes for a ramp crew to show up. Official block in was at XD:01Z. Without the delay on the ramp and the excessive vectors and speed reductions; our computer had us in prior to XB:40Z; even with the routing by ZZZ Center. We completed our duties during and after the flight with no further incident. Honestly; I cannot say enough about the teamwork and professionalism of each of the crew members; dispatch; scheduling; and operations personnel involved with this flight. Each member was thorough and efficient in their duties and each was critical to the safety and completion of the flight. My feeling is that; if possible; last minute reroutes should be avoided if possible and ramp personnel ready to welcome aircraft upon arrival.




Synopsis: Air carrier Captain reported that duty time may have been exceeded due to the flight having to divert when an ATC Center closed.