Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
I was the Captain on Aircraft X from ZZZ to ZZZ1. We were boarding the flight and all activities by my First Officer and I were finished. We accomplished the release briefing; departure review; and the appropriate checklists. Our flight was originally planned with a Ramp Fuel of 6300 [pounds]. We had 6600 pounds on board as Gate did not have any ground power or ground air available. I found out that through personal sources that ZZZ1 was going ATC - Zero due to COVID cleaning. This information was not on our release and had me concerned. I called our Dispatcher and he stated he was unaware of this situation. My Dispatcher did some checking and found the closure announcement. We determined an alternate of ZZZ2 and enough holding fuel for 48 minutes would be enough. This put the Ramp Fuel at 10;000 pounds. I accepted Release X and ended the call.The flight took off and we proceeded to ZZZ1 via the STAR arrival. We were initially given a hold assignment at the ZZZZZ Intersection. Just as I had put that hold into the FMS; that clearance was cancelled and we were sent directly to ZZZZZ1 to hold as published. This hold was on the final approach course of Runway XXR. We held for about 15 to 20 minutes before being cleared for the approach. Had I not checked my personal sources; there is a good chance the flight would have had to declare a fuel emergency. However; the flight was done safely and arrived only a few minutes late.
Air carrier Captain reported finding out a FAA facility was going to close via personal sources rather than through the flight release information.