Probably deserved it

When someone gets smacked in the gob, it's sometimes deserved
When someone gets smacked in the gob by an otherwise professional person who risks losing their job because of it, it's almost definitely deserved

EasyJet passenger punched by airport worker in France
Man waiting for delayed aircraft was carrying baby when pictured being hit by member of Nice airport staff

Waiting for a delayed aircraft can be frustrating, but people very often vent their frustration in the wrong direction. They don't often get smacked in the gob though. Airport staff are quite good at ignoring people and brushing off their concerns; they're quite thick skinned

An easyJet spokesman said the person in the photograph is believed to work for Nice airport’s special assistance provider Samsic, which is contracted to provide workers to help to disabled passengers, including those using wheelchairs.

So he wasn't even venting his anger at someone who could have helped, he picked on some guy who gets paid to shove people around in wheelchairs
Yep, I reckon he deserved it

[...] the man was holding his baby while his wife vented their frustration to airport staff about the lack of baby food and seats.“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,”

Ahh, I see. An overwhelming sense of entitlement because you've done what any mammal can do and had an offspring. The screaming shitfountains shouldn't be allowed on planes anyway

He definitely deserved it. Should have thrown a right hook in too

Go on son!

*Update*
The plot thickens

Thanks Julia -

Video released on the Internet shows him swearing loudly and complaining about the airport service as he clutches a baby in one hand.
It is then alleged that he approached the airport worker – who had been accused by other passengers of 'smiling' about their ordeal as he stood in a secure area – and attempted to take a picture of him.
This provoked the worker, who did not work for EasyJet, into knocking a smart phone out of the hand of the British man, who is in his 20s and wearing a baseball cap.
There are strict laws against photographing officials at airports in France, and attempts to do so are always treated with the utmost severity.
It is then that the British man slaps the worker around the head, apparently provoking him into punching back.
Just before the assault, a woman can be heard on the video shouting at the airport worker: 'This is a disgrace. We have children, babies, screaming, no nappies, no food,' and then she asks the worker: 'What are you smiling at?'

According to the Daily Mail, the passenger could to extradited to France if they decide to investigate further. If all this is true and he and his wife acted like the little shits they appear to have done, I so hope that happens. And I hope his flight is delayed