This is the shocking moment an airport worker was pictured appearing to punch a passenger holding a baby after he complained about a 13-hour delay on an easyJet flight.

The startling image was taken by a shocked onlooker who took to social media to vent her fury as families waited to board flight EZY2122 from Nice to London Luton.

Witness Arabella Ark, who was with her children at the time, told MailOnline: “Everyone was having the most appalling day and then, all of a sudden, a man holding a baby gets whacked.

“It all kicked off after his [the father’s] wife was talking to the man [suspected attacker] because we were getting no information whatsoever about the delay.”

Arabella claimed her husband, 64, had to pull the airport worker from the man.

An easyJet spokesperson said the airport employee does not work for the airline.

The worker is understood to work for special assistance provider Samsic who are contracted by Nice airport.

The easyJet spokesman added:

“easyJet is very concerned to see this picture and can confirm the person in the photo is not an easyJet member of staff and they do not work for easyJet’s ground handling agents in Nice. “We are urgently taking this up with Nice Airport and their special assistance provider Samsic who we understand the person photographed works for. “easyJet is sorry that flight EZY2122 from Nice to London Luton on 29 July was delayed departing Nice. “This was due to a technical issue with the aircraft and a replacement aircraft and crew were sent from London Gatwick to operate the flight. “Passengers were provided with updates and refreshment vouchers during this time and the flight landed in London Luton last night. “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority. “easyJet sincerely apologizes for the delay and thanks passengers for their patience.”