Clashes between rival Libyan militias fighting for control of Tripoli's international airport have killed 47 people over the last week.

The week-long battle in the Libyan capital began when Islamist-led militias launched a surprise assault on the airport, under control of rival gunmen.

The clashes resumed on Sunday after cease-fire efforts failed. The burned-out shell of an Airbus A330 sits on the tarmac, while inside the airport, closed since last Monday, the fighting has left holes in the ceiling and scattered bits of its roof strewn across the floor.

At least three people were killed when a stray rocket hit their house near the airport.

Libya is witnessing one of its worst spasms of violence since the ousting of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

All the militias fighting around the airport are on the government's payroll since successive transitional authorities have depended on them to restore order.