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.

Travelers flying through Newark are experiencing turbulence before they even make it into the air — but some airlines are offering concessions.

A staffing shortage, runway construction and deferred maintenance to crucial air traffic technology have made Newark Airport a national laughingstock.