By Kat Wong in Canberra

Anthony Albanese has declared he never called the former Qantas boss to seek flight upgrades, days after the allegations ignited the political landscape.

Politicians have been engaging in a days-long back-and-forth after a book detailed claims Mr Albanese received 22 upgrades from economy from Qantas and would liaise personally with the airline’s ex-chief executive Alan Joyce for the perks.

The prime minister has repeatedly rejected the accusations, noting all his flights had been listed in accordance with rules for federal MPs.

On Wednesday evening, a spokesperson from his office provided a firm statement of denial.

“The prime minister did not ever call Alan Joyce seeking an upgrade,” they said.

“All travel has been appropriately declared and is a matter of public record.”

The statement could put a nail in the coffin of a debate that has been seized upon by the coalition.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has consistently accused Mr Albanese of breaching ministerial standards, which prevent politicians from seeking and encouraging gifts in a personal capacity.

Mr Dutton raised questions about the relationship between the prime minister and Mr Joyce during the former CEO’s embattled final months.

“The prime minister had a very significant and now declared personal friendship with the CEO of Qantas, who ultimately was the beneficiary of the decision taken by the prime minister,” Mr Dutton told reporters.

The government was criticised in 2023 for blocking rival airline Qatar Airways from having additional flights in Australia, accused of protecting Qantas.

Mr Joyce quit in September that year, expediting his planned departure after the airline suffered a series of reputational blows under his leadership.