Thousands of Qantas passengers have turned up at airports this morning to discover their flights have been cancelled, even though strike action was called off yesterday.

The Transport Workers Union called off stoppages at airports across the country about 5 p.m. yesterday, describing the move as a "significant gesture of good faith".

But the airline said it was too late to scrap the contingency plans it had put in place for today.

A Qantas spokeswoman said the company had cancelled 17 flights and delayed another 29, with 5,700 passengers expected to be affected, in response to the strike action.

Qantas said it was still working to contact all of the passengers who would face delays.

"[The passengers] will be contacted," the spokeswoman said.

"But it does depend on the customers giving us their details.

"We've texted the majority on their mobiles."

Passengers are encouraged also to visit the Qantas website to check their flight status.

Baggage handlers and ground staff had planned to walk off the job for two hours this afternoon, as part of an ongoing dispute with the airline over pay and conditions.

Meanwhile, members of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association are pushing ahead with plans for a one-hour work stoppage at Melbourne Airport from 3 p.m., which will probably cause some minor delays.