BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s second-biggest airline, Air Berlin, says German authorities have refused to grant permission for 34 codeshare flights with partner Etihad this winter, a decision it says it will challenge.

Air Berlin said Friday that the decision by the Federal Aviation Office “shakes the confidence of our passengers” and noted permission had been granted for the same codeshares in previous timetables. Transport Ministry spokesman Ingo Strater said the decision was based on aviation agreements between Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE’s Etihad holds a minority stake in Air Berlin, which is engaged in a long-term effort to cut costs. Air Berlin last month canceled an order for 33 Boeing jets in a move aimed at improving its finances.

The decision leaves around 30 other codeshare flights in place.

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