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, which makes up 75 per cent of flights through Newark, have had to cut back in the face of air traffic controller shortages, outdated safety equipment, and ongoing runway construction

The chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport over the last week has resulted in hundreds of cancelled flights — and United Airlines is nixing many routes to and from smaller cities in an effort to scale back traffic.