Passengers were evacuated when a WestJet plane made a hard landing at an airport in St. Maarten.

Footage shows people disembarking on emergency slides after the aircraft suffered an impact upon arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport in the Caribbean country on Sunday afternoon.

Fire crews later arrived to douse the vehicle's right wing and fuselage.

WestJet said there were 164 people onboard and no injuries were recorded. The company added the plane did not catch fire, but fire-retarding foam had been deployed as a precaution.

In a statement, it said: 'At this time, we are awaiting confirmation on the exact nature of the incident," WestJet said in a statement, noting it is cooperating with local authorities.

'Our teams are focused on supporting our guests and crew, ensuring their safety and care remain our highest priority.'

The Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company said air traffic was temporarily suspended following the incident.

It said: 'Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is aware of an incident involving a WestJet aircraft earlier today, in which one of the wings sustained damage.

'We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew safely disembarked, as their safety and well-being remain our highest priority. At this time, all air traffic to PJIAE has been temporarily suspended and no aircraft will be permitted to land until further notice.'