Oxidation of liquid aluminium-magnesium alloys was studied at 1123K in presence of water vapour by an in situ observation device. The presence of water vapour induced a breakaway oxidation characterised by the formation of metal exudations and oxide growths on surface. Oxides were successively magnesia and spinel. Oxidation was also studied after surface skimming or metal pouring. Qualitative interpretations of the observed phenomena were given.