Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she had made "personal contact" with Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi since the plane vanished between Indonesia and its destination, Singapore.

Ms Bishop said she has offered Australia's support during the phone call.

"I have expressed our deep concerns for the passengers and crew on board that flight and our thoughts and prayers are with their families," she told reporters in Adelaide.

"It's always deeply concerning when you hear news such as this...we hope and pray that there will be survivors," she said.

AirAsia has confirmed the Airbus A320-200 last made contact with air traffic control on Sunday morning. The company said in a statement that there were 162 people on board.

Ms Bishop said she was seeking the flight manifest to check there were no dual Australian citizens or permanent residents on the flight.

"We've made an offer to assist the Indonesian government specifically and we're waiting to hear from them should they need that, but I understand the search operation is under way," she said.

Ms Bishop has also phoned her South Korean counterpart, exchanged text messages with Singapore's Foreign Minister and made contact with Malyasia's Foreign Minister. She offered all three Australia's help should they need it.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott also reached out to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to convey his sadness at the news.

Mr Abbott told Mr Joko that Australia had a P3 Orion aircraft on standby ready to assist Indonesia's search and rescue efforts should it be required.

Mr Joko thanked the Prime Minister for his offer of assistance and tasked his Defence Minister to speak to Australia's Defence Minister, Kevin Andrews, to ascertain what would be needed.