A variety of techniques have been used to palliate the effects of large airway obstruction. Tracheobronchial stenting is the optimal endoscopic management when the obstruction is caused by severe extrinsic compression, intraluminal spread of disease or loss of cartilaginous support. Between 1999 and 2004, 50 patients have had 57 silicone rubber stents to manage symptomatic central airway obstructions. The stents were placed through the Harell Universal rigid bronchoscope. The etiology was: malignant disease in 30/50 (60%), benign disease 17/50 (34%) and tracheoesophageal fistula in 3/50 (17%), whilst 6 of the 50 patients (12%) required two or more stents to achieve complete airway palliation. There were 2/50 complications (4%) and no procedure- or stent-related mortality. Most patients (92,5%) had successful airway palliation. Airway stenting provides immediate and reliable palliation in the majority of patients with malignant and benign central airway obstruction. Multiple stents are frequently required in order to achieve satisfactory airway patency. Pneumon 2006, 19(3):238-244.