Although no operational passenger airship services exist at present, HAV and aviation design consultants Design Q have generated renderings showing what a journey aboard the Airlander might look like, and this image shows travellers gliding above the Grand Canyon. Spanish airline Air Nostrum has also signed up for delivery of 20 blimps from 2026 onwards – probably for use on regional flights. It seems the story of airships may not be quite finished yet...

Now marvel at these incredible early photos of America's railroads

What it was like to travel in an airship