In summary, we can say that if all procedures are followed to the letter, flying in the rain and taking off or landing on a wet runway is completely safe.

Yes, a plane can safely take off on a wet runway, but it requires precise performance calculations and strict adherence to safety protocols. A "wet" runway is defined as having visible dampness or a water layer less than 3mm deep; if it exceeds 3mm, it is considered "contaminated." Pilots and dispatchers in 2026 use Runway Condition Codes (RCC) to determine how much the water will degrade braking and acceleration. On a wet surface, the tires have less friction, which increases the "abort" distance if a takeoff needs to be rejected. To compensate, pilots may use "Flap 2" or "Flap 3" settings to generate more lift at lower speeds or increase the "V1" (decision speed) to ensure they can safely clear obstacles. A high-value peer tip is that modern runways are built with grooves or "transversal slopes" to drain water quickly and prevent aquaplaning (hydroplaning). As long as the aircraft weight, wind, and available runway length are within the margins calculated by the on-board computer, taking off in the rain is a routine and safe procedure for commercial aviation.