FlightAware Sues Kalshi Over Unauthorized Data Use for Betting

Flight-tracking company FlightAware has filed a lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging unauthorized use of its flight data for operating betting markets on flight cancellations. The lawsuit claims Kalshi continued to access FlightAware’s data despite being asked to cease, and represented to customers that market outcomes were “verified from FlightAware.”

What Happened

FlightAware, a flight-tracking site, has initiated legal action against Kalshi, a prediction market platform, over its alleged use of FlightAware’s data. According to The Verge, FlightAware claims Kalshi is utilizing its flight data to facilitate “gambling markets on flight cancellations.” This action reportedly occurred even after FlightAware had requested the prediction market platform to stop accessing its data (The Verge).

The lawsuit explicitly states that “Kalshi instead accessed FlightAware’s data without authorization.” Furthermore, FlightAware alleges that Kalshi subsequently “represented to customers that market outcomes were ‘verified from FlightAware,’” as reported by The Verge. This legal dispute centers on the alleged unauthorized use of proprietary data for commercial prediction markets.

Key Details

• FlightAware alleges Kalshi used its flight data to operate “gambling markets on flight cancellations” (The Verge).
• FlightAware reportedly asked Kalshi to stop using its data prior to filing the lawsuit (The Verge).
• The lawsuit claims Kalshi accessed the data without authorization and misleadingly informed customers that market outcomes were “verified from FlightAware” (The Verge).

Why It Matters

This lawsuit highlights critical issues at the intersection of data proprietary rights and the emerging prediction market industry. For B2B operators and regulators, it underscores the importance of data licensing and authorized access agreements, particularly when third-party data is integral to market operations. The dispute raises questions about the verification processes within prediction markets and the potential for misrepresentation regarding data sources, which could influence market integrity and participant trust (The Verge).

Originally reported by The Verge·Published 11 Aug 2026, 16:31