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 executives are trying to reassure their customers it is safe to fly at Newark Liberty International Airport​, despite all the recent problems.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said United Flight 863 heading to Sydney, Australia and United Flight 877 bound for Hong Kong were the two planes involved. Flight 863’s left wingtip collided with the right wingtip of Flight 877 about 12:35 a.m., the FAA said.