An optimization model is selected to reduce a number of passengers adversely affected by a delay of an aircraft. A cascade boundary is determined for a length of the delay, which projects the delay at the plurality of airports. Using the optimization model, a probability curve is computed at an airport from the plurality of airports, which outputs a second length of the delay experienced at the airport responsive to the cascade boundary projecting the delay on the airport. The length is adjusted in the optimization model such that a count of passengers adversely affected by the delay at the airport at the elapse of the second length is minimized. A target system is caused to configure the aircraft to be delayed by the adjusted length.