Objective To enhance the effect of perioperative airway management for lung cancer patients. Methods Totally, 256 patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for lung cancer were assigned to a control group of 115 and an experimental group of 141 chronologically.The control group was given routine airway management, while their counterparts in the experimental group were subjected to perioperative airway management based on the ERAS concept. Results Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher tidal volume, minute ventilation and arterial partial pressure of oxygen, reduced sputum viscosity and increased cough strength (all P＜0.05).The incidence of complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay in the experimental group were significantly lower/shorter than those in the control group (all P＜0.05). Conclusion Perioperative airway management based on the ERAS concept for lung cancer patients can improve respiratory function, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stay.