By Rajesh Kumar Singh CHICAGO (Reuters) -United Airlines is facing a financial hit and potential long-term reputational harm as flight delays and cancellations pile up due to ongoing disruptions at Newark airport - one of its largest hubs and among the busiest in the country.

United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby told customers in an email Monday that it is “absolutely safe” to fly in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport following two weeks of technology and air-traffic control staffing issues that have plagued the New Jersey transit hub.