Wow! “Canceled”? The flight was flown to the destination and had to divert because the airport was closed. This usually happens because of weather, sometimes because of runway closure caused by an accident etc. The pilot knew that the airport was to close at 12, he must have thought that he could get there before the time. There must be more to the story like a creeping departure delay, ATC flow control restrictions (probably not at that hour), mechanical problems causing a return to the gate, delaying departure for connecting passengers...you get the idea.
Time to spare? Go by air!
You forgot not getting paid unless the wheels go up.