TiAl-based alloys with high specific strength and excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures have been regarded as candidates for high-temperature structural applications in the aircraft and aerospace.However, low plasticity and oxidation resistance at temperatures above 800℃ are main obstacles for their practical applications. In this paper, oxidation behavior, oxygen diffusion and their effect on mechanical properties of TiAl-based alloys have been summarized. Considering oxygen diffusion behavior and its determining factors in the environment of practical applications, recent progress of surface treatment and alloying technique to improve the oxidation resistance of TiAl alloys has been also reviewed. Meanwhile, the possible near future developing directions of the oxidation resistance and its controlling techniques for TiAl-based alloys are forecasted.