Navigating Time: A Comparative Assessment of Forensic Delay Analysis Methods in Airspace Design Management & Aviation Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

The complexities in the delay of aviation infrastructure and airspace design projects are a burning issue that begs stakeholders for accountability, efficiency, and clarity as per the law. With such increasing complexity and scales of the projects, the use of forensic delay analysis (FDA) increasingly takes a dominating role in dispute management, risk measurement, and contractual compliance. This paper presents an empirical evaluation of existing FDA methodologies, including As-Planned vs. As-Built, Time Impact Analysis, Collapsed As-Built, and Window Analysis, with a refined focus on their application in the aviation business sector. Considering the evaluation of these methods to be carried out based on equally weighted criteria such as methodological robustness, data dependency, legal defensibility, and appropriate contextual relevance to aviation projects, this research presents the strengths, limitations, and implications for project management, claims consultants, and regulatory bodies. The results highlight the importance of selecting contextually feasible FDA methods and integrating digital tools to enhance forensic accuracy, particularly in airspace design management and aviation infrastructure development. The article adds to the body of knowledge because it has established a balance between forensic practices and the operational and regulatory aspects of the aviation field.