Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in tumor initiation and progression, including cervical cancer (CC). However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of STXBP5-AS1 in CC are still unknown. The expression of STXBP5-AS1, miR-96-5p, and PTEN in CC was explored by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and transwell assays were used to determine the roles of STXBP5-AS1 on CC progression. Luciferase report assay and RIP assay were used to explore the correction between STXBP5-AS1, miR-96-5p and PTEN in CC. In our study, we showed that the expression of STXBP5-AS1 and PTEN was reduced while miR-96-5p expression was upregulated in CC. STXBP5-AS1 overexpression significantly reduced CC cells proliferation and invasion ability by suppressing miR-96-5p expression. MiR-96-5p promoted CC cells progression via regulating PTEN expression. Furthermore, STXBP5-AS1 was identified as a ceRNA to upregulate PTEN via sponging miR-96-5p in CC. Taken together, our findings revealed that STXBP5-AS1 might function as a ceRNA to drive CC cells proliferation and invasion via regulating miR-96-5p/PTEN axis.