Understanding the effects of delay propagation on air carrier operations: A case study of network versus point-to-point carriers

Abstract

The National Airspace System (NAS) forms a network of airports that depend on each other for on-time performance. In a sequence of flights operated by the same tail-numbered aircraft, delays at one airport are likely to accumulate and have ripple effects on others downstream. Propagated delays are stochastic and have multiple causes which, in turn, make it difficult for airlines to build a reliable and robust schedule. This paper examines propagated delays in terms of a root delay in flight sequences. It compares propagated delays between hub and point-to-point airports as well as between legacy and low-cost carriers. This study shows that the point-to-point carrier under investigation propagates more delays than the legacy carrier that operates a network.