An airport worker in Nice, France, reportedly punched a male EasyJet passenger who was holding a baby after the passenger complained about an 11-hour flight delay.
The worker was not affiliated with European EasyJet airline and worked for Samsic, a subcontractor for the airport, CNN reported. He has been suspended by Samsic for his actions.
The victim was attempting to travel from Nice to Luton airport near London on Saturday when the flight was delayed because of a mechanical problem, CNN reported. Another plane had to be flown in from London for the flight. Passengers were given refreshment vouchers and were updated throughout the delay.
"The man with the baby … went over and talked to the Frenchman and the Frenchman didn’t reply, he just smiled and smirked and then whacked this guy on the left side of his face," passenger Arabella Arkwright, who photographed the incident, told BBC Radio, according to The Guardian.
Arkwright said her husband pulled the airport worker off the victim and both were taken away by security. The passenger and baby were later allowed to return and board the plane when it finally took off, CNN reported.
The man and his wife were concerned about a lack of baby food and seats for their baby because of the long delay, The Guardian reported.
EasyJet said it was addressing the situation with the airport and Samsic, and confirmed that the employee was suspended, The Guardian reported.
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always EasyJet’s highest priority," a spokesman said, according to The Guardian. "EasyJet sincerely apologizes for the delay and thanks passengers for their patience."
Twitter wondered what would be next in uncivil airport conduct.
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