The behaviours of AA5052 alloy anode of the Al-air battery in alkaline electrolytes are investigated by the hydrogen gas evolution test and the electrochemical measurements. The combination of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and ZnO as the hybrid additives can effectively suppress the self-corrosion of AA5052 anode in alkaline solution, and there is a synergism between 8-HQ and ZnO. The surface analysis demonstrates a complex film is formed via the chelation of 8-HQ with Al3+ ions. The presence of ZnO promotes the stability of the complex film on the alloy matrix, and lowers the hydrogen evolution rate dramatically. A good discharge performance is found for AA5052 alloy anode in the above alkaline solution, and the anodic surface has a strong fluorescence after the discharge. The use of hybrid additives increases the anode utilization efficiency from 56.2% to 70.3%.