It has been demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve important roles in various biological processes, such as tumorigenesis. In the present study, the role of miR‑30a‑3p in the pathogenesis of esophageal carcinoma (EC) was investigated. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the levels of miR‑30a‑3p expression in EC tissues and cell lines. Then, the effects of miR‑30a‑3p on the migration, invasion and radiosensitivity of EC cells were investigated using scratch‑wound, Transwell and radiosensitivity assays, respectively. A dual‑luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine potential interactions between miR‑30a‑3p and the 3'‑untranslated region (3'‑UTR) of insulin‑like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‑1R). The results demonstrated that the levels of miR‑30a‑3p expression in EC tissues and cell lines were significantly decreased compared with those in paired healthy tissues and a human esophageal epithelial cell line. Upregulation of miR‑30a‑3p expression significantly suppressed migration, invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), and enhanced radiosensitivity in EC cells. Analysis of luciferase activity demonstrated that miR‑30a‑3p interacted with the 3'‑UTR of IGF‑1R, and knockdown of IGF‑1R induced similar effects on the migration, invasion, EMT and radiosensitivity of EC cells. The results indicated that miR‑30a‑3p suppressed metastasis and enhanced the radiosensitivity of EC cells via downregulation IGF‑1R, suggesting that miR‑30a‑3p may be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of EC.