Airway management is one of the most important aspects of modern anesthetic practice and is directly related to patient safety during surgical and medical procedures. It refers to the maintenance of a patent airway and the provision of adequate ventilation and oxygenation throughout anesthesia. Airway management techniques range from basic maneuvers, such as head tilt and chin lift, to advanced procedures including endotracheal intubation, which is commonly used to secure the airway during surgery. Preoperative airway assessment is a critical step before the administration of anesthesia because it helps anesthesiologists identify potential difficulties and prepare alternative management plans. Common assessment methods include the Mallampati classification, measurement of the thyromental distance, and evaluation of neck mobility and mouth opening. Such assessments significantly reduce the risk of failed intubation and related complications. A variety of devices are available to assist in airway management, including conventional laryngoscopes, video laryngoscopes, supraglottic airway devices, and fiberoptic bronchoscopes. The choice of equipment depends on the patient’s clinical condition, the anticipated difficulty of airway management, and the experience of the anesthesia team. Despite major advances in airway management, complications may still occur. These include hypoxia, pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, trauma to the teeth or soft tissues, and failed intubation. Therefore, prompt recognition and appropriate management of these complications are essential for maintaining patient safety. In recent years, international anesthesia guidelines have emphasized the importance of preparation, availability of alternative airway equipment, use of safety checklists, and adherence to difficult airway algorithms. These recommendations have significantly improved patient outcomes and reduced airway-related complications, making airway management a fundamental component of high-quality anesthetic. Al Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq