A gas turbine engine includes in serial flow relationship: a first compressor provided with at least one row of compressor blades distributed circumferentially around the first compressor; a combustion chamber; and a first turbine provided with at least one row of turbine blades distributed circumferentially around the first turbine, wherein the first compressor and the first turbine are rotationally rigidly connected by a first shaft. The first turbine is adapted to influence a gas flow rate through the gas turbine engine depending on a rotational speed of the first turbine, wherein the gas turbine engine further includes an arrangement for controlling the rotational speed of the first turbine. A method for controlling a gas flow rate in an axial flow gas turbine engine is also provided.