FlightAware Sues Kalshi Over Unauthorized Data Use for Flight Bets

Flight tracking service FlightAware has filed a federal lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging the company used its data and brand without permission to operate betting markets on flight cancellations. The complaint, filed on August 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses Kalshi of breach of contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition. FlightAware is seeking a temporary restraining order and permanent injunctions to halt any Kalshi markets tied to its services.

The lawsuit centers on contracts Kalshi listed last month that allowed users to bet on airport-wide flight cancellations. According to the filing, Kalshi told traders that outcomes would be verified using FlightAware data, effectively presenting the flight tracker as a partner and source of truth. FlightAware states it was never informed its data would be used to settle these bets and never consented to the arrangement. The company argues this unauthorized use has jeopardized its reputation, as customers immediately assumed FlightAware was involved in the gambling markets.

FlightAware also raised significant safety concerns in its complaint. While...