Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to personally inform leaders during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting of the shock news Qantas had grounded all its planes because of an industrial dispute.
Seventeen heads of delegation were due to fly out of Perth on Qantas planes over the next couple of days.
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"They took it in good spirits when I briefed them about it," Ms Gillard told reporters later.
Ms Gillard said her government would help the leaders make alternative arrangements if they could not get bookings on other commercial airlines.
She did not rule out the use of charter or military planes.
High-flying Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd was also affected when his flight out of Perth was cancelled.
Mr Rudd rebooked on a later Virgin flight to Melbourne but was recalled to Perth for another Commonwealth foreign ministers meeting anyway.
Mr Rudd said the government would help Australians stranded abroad by the Qantas move.
He said Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular staff have arranged to work with Qantas, including attending airports around the world to assist Australians with re-booking and accommodation arrangements.
Extra staff have been added to the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra for stranded Australians, he said.
Travellers are urged to contact their travel agents or Qantas regarding re-booking their travel and accommodation.
