In Dirigible Disaster, players work together to keep an airship, the Aerclanken, in the air for its entire 10 minute maiden voyage. This is accomplished by repairing or dealing with various issues that occur on the ship as the game progresses. The game consists of 10 rounds that each last for one real-time minute. Before each minute begins, a set of problems arise on the board and it is up to the players to work together to handle as many of the problems as possible during each one-minute round. At the end of the ten rounds, the players win the game only if they were able to avoid meeting any of the failure criteria and keep the Aerclanken afloat for its entire voyage.