The difference is that there is enough demand for airplanes/ships to overcome these events. That kind of demand doesn't seem to exist for Zeppelins, probably because they are so slow.
True. I think the event just brought about the inevitable death to an industry that wouldn't have been able to keep up as the cost effectiveness, carrying capacity and maximum distance of airplanes grew so rapidly.
For shifting medium cargo medium distances over inhospitable terrain, I wouldn't be surprised if Zeppelins were more cost-effective than helicopters. Also it might be quite a nice holiday, spending a week or two Zeppelining along some scenic coastline, like a small cruise ship 100ft up. I don't think we've seen the last of that technology.
