A tourist from New Zealand has been killed in the Caribbean territory of Saint Maarten after being blown from her feet by an aircraft engine.

The accident happened at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

The runway at the airport starts just 50 metres from Maho beach, with tourists watching from behind a fence as planes take off.

Local police said woman had been holding on to the fence before the force of the jet engines threw her backwards.

She sustained serious injury on landing, reportedly hitting her head.

The 57-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment, but died later.

There are prominent warning signs in the area instructing beachgoers not to stand near the fence because of the danger from engines.

The plane involved was believed to be a Boeing 737.