Safety issues and the fact that it takes a lot of people to run an airline -- not just the flight crews, but all the local ground crews, mechanics, cleaning crews, agents, etc.
The airlines couldn't operate without personnel, who were also trying to evacuate.
From an economic standpoint, the airlines would have made good money by getting more flights out of N.O. They are another victim in this horrid mess.
Thanks for debunking the "airlines are to blame" argument.
I worry that several airlines, including Delta, might not make it if fuel prices rise again.