Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) of yttria partially stabilized zirconia were deposited on gamma TiAl samples using electron-beam physical vapour deposition. The specimens were coated with inter- metallic Ti-Al-Cr layers and CrAlYN/CrN nanoscale multilayer coatings. The lifetime of the TBC systems was determined performing cyclic oxidation tests in air at temperatures between 850 and 950°C. The TBC systems with Ti-Al-Cr and CrAlYN/CrN layers did not fail at 850 and 900°C during the maximum exposure time period of 1000 cycles of 1 h dwell time at high temperature. No spallation of the thermal barrier coatings was observed. As revealed by post-oxidation microstructural analysis, the protective coatings were severely degraded when exposed at 900°C, resulting in growth of mixed oxides on the substrate. Underneath the thermal barrier coating an outer oxide scale with a columnar structure was observed, consisting of rutile and a-Al₂O₃. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectro- scopy analysis revealed zirconia and chromia being dissolved in the outer oxide scale. The columnar structure and the presence of zirconia indicated an effect of the TBC on the morphology of the outer oxide scale. The zirconia top coat exhibited an excellent adherence to this oxide scale formed on the protective layers when degraded, and at defects like cracks. When thermally cycled at 950° C, the TBC system on specimens coated with Ti-Al-Cr failed by spallation of the thermally grown mixed oxides, whereas the thermal barrier coating was well adherent to the outer oxide scale at this temperature, too.