Major carriers cut ties with Qunar

Growing complaints about extra charges, refunds and issues related to ticketing are prompting airline companies to end ties with online travel agencies.

The latest to face the music is Qunar Cayman Islands Ltd, China's second-largest online travel agency, which saw its cooperation with China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Capital Airlines, the Beijing-based subsidiary of HNA Group, end abruptly on Dec 31, 2015.

Air China Ltd, China's flagship carrier, said on Monday it was closing its flagship store on Qunar after repeated consumer complaints about Qunar. Other carriers are also expected to take similar steps in the next few days, said industry sources.