Chinese airline under investigation after pictures emerge of Flight attendant being forced to lie in overhead lockers as part of staff punishment

Kunming Airlines has announced it will clamp down on bullying after images were shared online showing female cabin crew performing the bizarre ritual.

In one picture, a flight attendant can be seen covering her face with her hands as she lies in a hand luggage compartment.

Another shows a male member of staff standing next to the woman and posing for a picture.

The South China Morning Post reports that the images were widely shared after they were posted onto a social media website over the weekend.

But Kunming Airlines has said it did not know the ritual was taking place and insists there have been no complaints from staff.

The airline added that flight safety was never compromised as a result of the bullying. 

According to the South China Morning Post, Kunming said in a statement: ‘The company attaches high importance to the incident and will prevent such things from happening again.'