The home side began the game in the more positive manner, winger Willie McLaren coming close to opening the scoring early on when he shot just over the bar after a deep right-wing cross from Jerome Vareille.
Saints responded when Keiran McAnespie sent his effort high and wide after an excellent through ball from Peter MacDonald.
Airdrie came close to gaining the advantage midway through the first half when David Dunn's superbly struck 20-yard free-kick was brilliantly saved by Saints keeper Allan McGregor before the Perth defenders cleared the ball to safety.
In the latter stages of the first half St Johnstone had a chance to go ahead when defender Sean Webb saw his header saved by Airdrie keeper Mark McGeown following a well-placed free-kick from David Hannah.
Airdrie grasped the upper hand in the second half and almost took the lead when Vareille struck the post with an angular shot after 53 minutes.
The same player then saw his shot rebound from the outstretched foot of MGregor, but with the game reaching its conclusion Saints almost claimed the points when substitute Chris Hay sent his shot narrowly wide of the left-hand post after the home defence had failed to clear a corner.