'Arabic' Markings Found On Southwest Planes

HOUSTON --

There have been multiple reports of markings being found on Southwest Airlines jets.

Southwest Airlines said it started seeing markings on the outside of some of its 737 airplanes in February.

The airline said the markings vary in appearance, but a TV station in Arizona reported that an anonymous source claimed that they appeared to be Arabic.

Southwest Airlines said the markings do not have any affiliation with any known group or activity. It is working with federal investigators to find out who is writing on the planes.

Traveler Randall Gabrel said he does not think the markings have any connection to safety.

"I just think it's people making graffiti," he said. "I don't consider it a legitimate threat."

Southwest Airlines issued a statement on the markings:

"Beginning in February, we began to receive reports of vandalism on our aircraft. These markings appear on the exterior of the aircraft and vary in appearance. Upon discovery, we immediately contacted Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, which all concluded that these markings have no affiliation to any known group or activity. These markings are considered vandalism, and Southwest is conducting an internal investigation to determine who is responsible.  Southwest takes this behavior very seriously, and we will continue to involve local and Federal law enforcement agencies as needed until the situation is resolved. We want to reassure Customers and Employees that Safety is always our primary consideration, and the safety of our aircraft is in no way impacted by this act of vandalism."

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