HONG KONG - Southeast Asia's budget carriers are hoping the worst of the Middle East-driven fuel shock is behind them but face a difficult second half as margins remain under pressure and strained household budgets threaten demand, airline executives and analysts said.

The results exposed a squeeze at the heart of the low-cost model: Fuel makes up a larger share of expenses than at full-service airlines, but price-sensitive passengers leave…

South-east Asia’s budget airlines face margin pressure and weak demand despite hopes for recovery as fuel costs and currency declines persist. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read…