Senior opposition frontbencher Joe Hockey says Qantas told him in a private meeting that it was considering grounding its fleet, well before the airline took the drastic action on the weekend.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard pursued Tony Abbott on Tuesday over whether he was forewarned of the flying kangaroo's possible decision after the opposition leader refused to answer questions on the issue.

Now Mr Hockey has confirmed Qantas told him a grounding of the fleet was on the cards.

He was asked on ABC TV when he had first heard from Qantas that it was considering grounding its fleet or locking out workers.

"(Qantas has) been saying it around parliament house for the last few weeks," Mr Hockey replied.