Multiple bodies have been recovered from the sea by an Indonesian warship in the search for AirAsia flight QZ8501, an Indonesian navy spokesman said.

Authorities also confirmed items resembling an emergency slide, plane door and other objects, seen 10 kilometres from the passenger jet's last known location, was from the aircraft.

The Airbus A320 was carrying 162 people when it disappeared in poor weather on Sunday morning during a flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.

Special equipment is being used to identify the debris, while divers have been sent to investigate whether a dark shadow in the water is the body of the plane.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the recovery effort would resume on Wednesday, and that all available ships and helicopters would assist in the search.

He also urged families and friends of the passengers and crew to be strong in "this difficult time".

See how events unfolded on Tuesday in our live blog or read the story.