flights booked via third party (last minute, trip.com etc)

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

I've been looking at flights via skyscanner and there are some alright deals but when you click through they are all with third party providers not the actual airline. Is this normal? Is it ok to book that way?
And why are they in come cases a fair bit cheaper than the airline itself?

Nett fares. Airlines draw up contracts with travel agents, tour operators and consolidators which enable them to sell
fares below the airline’s published price.

Usually when you click through they aren't much cheaper. I think it's because their prices aren't updated in real time like the airlines. Plus if there are any issues it seems much harder to get a refund or change flight.

It’s a nightmare when things go wrong- if your flight gets cancelled, the airlines are only helpful to those who book direct, and others are told to speak to their agent (who may be shut out of hours/weekends etc). Speaking from an experience like that, I now only book with airlines direct.