An Australian Orion search aircraft has spotted debris and an oil slick on the edge of the search area for missing AirAsia flight QZ8501, but ships in the area have been unable to find anything on the water.

Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla confirmed the news late on Monday that debris had been found, saying the navy and search and rescue authorities have "verified reports".

However, they could not yet tell if the wreckage came from the missing aircraft.