A method is provided for operating a gas turbine plant including a compressor, which on an inlet side inducts intake air and compresses it, providing compressor exit air on a discharge side. The plant also includes a combustion chamber where fuel is combusted, using compressor exit air, forming a hot gas; and a turbine, where the hot gas is expanded, performing work. The method includes extracting compressed air from the compressor, directing it as cooling air flow into the combustion chamber and/or into the turbine for cooling thermally loaded components. The method also includes controlling at least one cooling air flow, for achieving specific operating targets, using a control element depending on an operating target. A gas turbine plant is also provided having at least one control element for cooling air flow control, and a gas turbine controller which controls the gas turbine plant based on selectable control parameter sets.