London Stansted Airport has submitted its plans for expansion.
It could significantly increase passenger traffic but without building a second runway or exceed its limit of 274,000 annual flights.
Owner Manchester Airports Group is targeting up to 51 million travellers a year at the airport.
This could make it the UK’s second busiest airport.
MAG says it would better utilise the existing runway while upgrading rail and road access.
“We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region,” managing director Gareth Powell said.
A £1.1bn expansion was approved last year and work has already started on this.
London Stansted handled 29.3 million people in the past year to September.
The Stansted airport plan was formally submitted to Uttlesford District Council.
